Objects of Our Affection

Ceramic artists have always stretched and tested the line between form and function - why replicate a purely functional, mass-produced vase or mug when you could joyfully explore the limits of color and shape, while still retaining a piece's usefulness? When we talk about objects worth having - things that elicit meaning and delight, beyond their functional purpose - BZIPPY's cheerful ceramic vessels consistently check all our boxes. 

Falling somewhere between objet d'art and the coolest furniture/decor you can actually use, artist Bari Ziperstein's pieces are celebrated for their innovative shapes and glazes. Her vases and side tables in the Home store are easily among the most attention-grabbing pieces we carry, and we never tire of finding ways to show them off. 

After studying art and women’s studies as an undergraduate and then earning her Master of Fine Arts from the California Institute of the Arts in 2004, Ziperstein worked primarily in studio-based sculpture and experimental public art before founding BZIPPY in 2008. 

Her studio's focus is on developing engineering methods that challenge conventional notions of slab construction, and over the past decade, the company has produced both intimately sized and architecturally scaled ceramic vases, vessels, lamps, and furniture, often made in limited editions. The company also operates the BZIPPY Fund - an annual distribution to arts-driven programs through grants and scholarships, aiming to support initiatives that foster community, education, and access.

From the integrity of the artist herself, to the altruistic principles behind the studio, to the incredible joy of the art itself, we're honored to be part of the BZIPPY family. Check out her collection of pieces online, or enjoy them in person at the Home store! If you're looking for your next treasured object to collect, they're the perfect place to start. 

 Artist history and studio information courtesy of BZIPPY.