Yuniko Studio ceramics by Perth based Anthea Carboni.  Photo - Angelita Bonetti.

 Yuniko Studio ceramics by Anthea Carboni.  Photo - Angelita Bonetti.

 Yuniko Studio ceramics by Perth based Anthea Carboni.  Photos - Angelita Bonetti.

These sweet Yuniko Studio ceramics are handcrafted in Perth by artist and maker Anthea Carboni, and although they’re not currently available online, we're so smitten with their simplicity and imperfect charm, I felt compelled to share them with you.

Anthea originally trained in art therapy and teaching, but has always been involved in art - designing, making and selling mainly textile-based work at markets and exhibitions for the past 20 years. This year she decided to take a ‘sabbatical' - a break from the designer-maker routine, and a return to the freedom of exploring and experimenting without a specific project or outcome in mind.  ‘Delving into ceramics has been wonderful’ she says.  ‘Clay is such a visceral material, and I feel like I have been able to go back to the basics and rediscover what being creative is really about’.

Anthea is greatly influenced by Japanese design, and the concept of ‘wabi sabi’- beauty in imperfection.  ‘I love the idea that an object can have a strong but unassuming aesthetic, and can be understood at an intuitive level’ she explains. ‘For me, this means it needs to be simple and subtle in design, as well as a little bit imperfect’ says Anthea.

Creating under the name Yuniko Studio, Anthea makes her ceramics by hand, using very basic techniques - rolling, cutting out, slumping or humping and paddling the shape (this is apparently the ‘language of clay’, according to Anthea!).  She also uses moulds created from various found objects, such as wooden plates, horn bowls and large river stones.

Yuniko Studio ceramics can be purchased through much loved Perth store Nell's Emporium & Cafe in Mossman Park, run by Fenella Peacock.  Fenella is a fashion designer (previously of high profile international label Antipodium) and has played an integral role in the development of Anthea’s ceramic range, encouraging her to experiment with indigo wash glazes and commissioning various vessels for her unique WA store.  Enquiries - contact Nell's Emporium, or contact Anthea direct via her blog!

 Yuniko Studio ceramics by Perth based Anthea Carboni.  Photo - Angelita Bonetti.