Party-ready porcelain
Porcelain artist Rachel K. Garceau has reinvented the relish tray for today’s modern table.
The artist: Grew up in Goshen, Conn. After graduating from Franklin Pierce College in N.H., Garceau continued her ceramic education through studio assistantships, workshops, and residencies from Maine to Denmark. In 2013, she completed a two-year fellowship at Penland School of Crafts in N.C. before heading to Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Tennessee as an artist-in- residence. For now, find her at the Goat Farm Arts Center, 1200 Foster St., in Atlanta.
The goods: Utilitarian porcelain objects, such as cups and service items ($12 to $210); decorative objects, such as wall tiles ($120) and large environmental sculptures and installations ($1,200 to $2,600).
What's popular: Small, curvy cups ($30). Perfect for wine, a whisky on the rocks or an espresso. The cups have a simple elegance and come in many colors. Also, her life-size porcelain umbrellas ($1,200), which can be seen at Atlanta's Mammal Gallery, 91 Broad St., until May 8.
Surprise hits: Walnut salt cellar ($12). Shaped like half of a walnut shell, the cellar is white and shiny on the inside with a matte textured exterior in white, gray, and black tones. Also, the porcelain booties ($80).
Big break: Recognized as a 2015 Emerging Artist at the annual conference of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts in Providence, R.I.
Where to buy: www.rachelkgarceau.com. In the Atlanta area, find the complete relish tray ($140) or purchase parts at the Preserving Place, 1170 Howell Mill Road (www.preservingplace.com). Other functional pieces can be found at the Crafted Westside Pop-Up Shop, 1100 Howell Mill Road, and the new Crafted Avalon Pop-Up Shop, 2200 Avalon Blvd. in Alpharetta.
Good wood
When Emily Brock couldn’t find the kitchen utensils she liked for preparing and servicing food, she bought a band saw and carving tools and made her own — first for herself, then her new business.
The company: Based in Nashville, Board & Bread is a woodworking studio that crafts functional and sculptural objects for the kitchen and home.
The founder: Brock, 26, grew up in a family of woodworkers. A great grandfather was a staircase maker. Her father, Charles Brock, creates sculptured furniture. After graduating from UGA, Brock worked in graphic design, but soon decided to mesh her passion for cooking and sharing food with a desire to create functional, hand-crafted items.
The main goods: Kitchen essentials, including spoons, rolling pins, cutting and serving boards, bowls, knives and spatulas from hardwoods such as walnut and maple. ($30 to $175).
Known for: The wooden pie server. Each server is asymmetrical in shape and individually made. ($80-$85)
Other favorites: Pendant lighting. The lights ($250 and up) have a turned walnut shade and vintage-style hardware in varying finishes.
Where to buy: www.boardandbread.com
Silver chic
Kaminer Haislip wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth. But she creates stunning silver spoons, teapots and more in her South Carolina studio.
The company: Founded in 2005, Kaminer Haislip, Designer + Silversmith is located in downtown Charleston at Redux Contemporary Art Center.
The artist: Originally from Aiken, S.C., Haislip grew up in her family's hardware and appliance business, and her grandmother collected silver. The influenced her interest in sculpture and art jewelry. After high school, Haislip went on to earn fine arts degrees from Winthrop University.
The main goods: Functional and contemporary-styled silver objects, such as bowls, cups, serving spoons, Christmas ornaments and baby gifts. Also jewelry pieces in silver and gold.
What's popular: Silver Nest Bowls ($200 to $325) for wedding gifts.
Other favorites: Serving spoons, bar accessories, and appetizer serving pieces ($100 to $500). Also baby spoons and cups ($100 to $300), plus earrings ($85 to $140) and bracelets ($130 to $450).
Signature pieces: Contemporary teapots and coffeepots.
Claim to fame: In 2012, honored with the "Made in the South Award" in the home category from Garden & Gun magazine. In 2011, awarded the Eric Berg Prize for Excellence in Metal at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show. Historic Charleston Foundation honored with the Samuel Gaillard Stoney Conservation Craftsmanship Award lst April.
Where to buy: www.kaminerhaislip.com
Best of the South
Do you have favorite finds from around the South that you give as gifts, buy for your home or rave about to friends? If so, send your suggestions to: lljerkins@gmail.com. Also find more Southern-made products, featured in the AJC, at Southernfinds on Facebook or twitter@southernfinds1.
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