The Post Supply has long been a follower of d.o.o.r. woodworking and Skye Chamberlain's ceramics. It was fortune, kismet, and a pure gift from the universe that we happened to cross paths with him in Los Angeles. We are beyond honored to carry his extremely special line of ceramics that are handmade in Alhambra, California just steps outside his wood shop door and which are lovingly displayed at Frolich House in Hollywood, a business he shares with his partner Kristin Palmer. He is an artist of many talents and we hope you fall in love just as we have!
Read more below about his processes and history - and discover his other little known expertise - Nocino making!
1. Since we first came across your ceramics work we have been enamored by the feeling they evoke of timelessness. Can you share what your inspirations are for the imagery that you choose to paint - how you find them and why you think its important to capture them in these keepsake pieces.
I find my imagery in a matter of ways; I source from our showroom's design library, I might see a motif in the corner of an image or I might spontaneously draw something. The idea is sometimes to recreate an artwork from the past, and other times I'm making something that looks antique but is slightly off-kilter. I’ve kept a catalogue of images saved for my ceramic work for years now - Pompeiian mosaics from the Met, old English slipware, coasters or placemats from bars and restaurants visited on my travels. These designs eventually make their way onto the plate based on the shape and size of the blank and whatever's in the front of my brain on that day.
2. Can you share a bit about your ceramics process that takes a piece from idea to tangible item in your beautiful showroom gallery?
My process starts either with a piece that I've thrown on the wheel, or a press molded blank. The latter are made by my Mom, Kate Douvan. We've collaborated in this way for the last three years or so. The forms are either made from wooden molds or found plates that have a good form. After the pieces have been through their bisque firing I then paint them with a combination of underglazes and washes using a variety of brushes and tools. The pieces are then fired to cone 6 - hopefully without cracking!
3. You are also a talented woodworker! How do you balance both your artistic practices and how to they complement or contradict each other as your alternate between the two. Anything else you make that we don't know about?
I've been making furniture for the past 18 years or so, first as a way to furnish my home and then later as my primary business. As I grow my ceramics practice I am certainly more selective with the woodworking projects I take on. I have yet to combine my ceramics and furniture, but we have plans to make a table with a ceramic tile top. My partner and I also design and produce turned wood and hand painted lamps under our Frolich House brand. We've also taken on a few decorative painting commissions including a Bemelmans-esque mural at the San Vicente Bungalows in West Hollywood. I also make Nocino from scratch with foraged walnuts and if you stop by our showroom in Hollywood you can sample it or take home a whole bottle.
