● Ceramics
Lou Thomas · Marseille · France
Lou Thomas is a ceramic artist based in Marseille. Her practice is deeply shaped by a lifelong relationship with clay and by her travels to Japan, Mexico, and Morocco, where she developed a profound respect for traditional craftsmanship.
Although she began working with clay as a child, she fully dedicated herself to the medium in 2018, founding Simoneloo Ceramics. From her studio near the port of Marseille, she creates pieces inspired by various techniques discovered around the world. Through collaborations with chefs, she approaches each work as a dialogue between two artisans, exploring the intersection of functional form and sensory experience. Read our interview with her.
Handbuilt using the coiling technique, the Mexican Series Vase is made by Lou Thomas in her Marseille studio. Crafted in beige stoneware with a glossy transparent glaze inside and left unglazed outside, the piece explores the intersection of traditional hand-building and contemporary silhouette. Sculptural form inspired by various techniques discovered around the world.
Handbuilt using the pinching technique, the Textured cup is made by Lou Thomas in her Marseille studio. Crafted in light red stoneware, the exterior is left to showcase the raw grain and surface variations of the material. Functional form inspired by various techniques discovered around the world.
Handbuilt using the coiling and pinching techniques, the Japanese cup medium is made by Lou Thomas in her Marseille studio. Crafted in beige stoneware and finished with a matte white glaze, it balances a clean aesthetic with the unique, organic texture of hand-pinched clay. Functional form inspired by various techniques discovered around the world.
Handbuilt using the coiling technique, the Petit Oiseau is made by Lou Thomas in her Marseille studio. Crafted in black stoneware with a glossy transparent glaze inside and left unglazed outside, the piece is a compact, characterful form that highlights the dark, textured grain of the clay. Functional form inspired by various techniques discovered around the world.
Handbuilt using the coiling technique, La mer is a sculptural work made by Lou Thomas in her Marseille studio. Crafted in unglazed beige stoneware, the silhouette and raw texture reference the movement of the Mediterranean tide. A sculptural form inspired by various techniques discovered around the world.
Handbuilt using the pinching technique, the Ice cream bowl is made by Lou Thomas in her Marseille studio. Crafted in red stoneware, the piece highlights the tactile, rhythmic marks of the maker's hands. Functional form inspired by various techniques discovered around the world.
Handbuilt using the coiling technique, the Spiral Pitcher is made by Lou Thomas in her Marseille studio. Crafted in red stoneware with a glossy transparent glaze inside and left unglazed outside, the piece highlights the raw, earthy texture of the clay. Functional form inspired by various techniques discovered around the world.
Handbuilt using the coiling technique, L’algue is made by Lou Thomas in her Marseille studio. Crafted in beige stoneware with a glossy transparent glaze inside and left unglazed outside, this significant sculptural work reflects the organic lines of the Mediterranean coastline. Large-scale form inspired by various techniques discovered around the world.
Handbuilt using the pinching technique, the Textured cup is made by Lou Thomas in her Marseille studio. Crafted in light red stoneware, the exterior is left to showcase the raw grain and surface variations of the material. Functional form inspired by various techniques discovered around the world.
Handbuilt using the coiling technique, the Cenicero No. 7 is made by Lou Thomas in her Marseille studio. Crafted in beige stoneware with a white mat finish, the piece highlights a functional, grounded silhouette. A versatile form inspired by various techniques discovered around the world.
Handbuilt using the coiling technique, the Mexican Pitcher is made by Lou Thomas in her Marseille studio. Crafted in red stoneware with a glossy transparent glaze inside and left unglazed outside, the piece balances a generous volume with the tactile honesty of the clay. Functional form inspired by various techniques discovered around the world.
Handbuilt using the coiling technique, L’étoile de mer is made by Lou Thomas in her Marseille studio. Crafted in beige stoneware with a glossy transparent glaze inside and left unglazed outside. The perforated surface and relief detailing reference organic marine structures. Sculptural form inspired by various techniques discovered around the world.
Handbuilt using the pinching technique, the Polka dot cup is made by Lou Thomas in her Marseille studio. Crafted in red stoneware with a transparent glaze, the piece celebrates the natural warmth and spotting of the fired clay. Functional form inspired by various techniques discovered around the world.