After a dinner party guest rebuffed the phrase ‘functional art,’ I realised it’s a descriptive and meaningful term I particularly love. To me, ‘functional art’ clearly expresses the discipline’s artistry, passion, care and craft, combined with intrinsic function. This intersection of art and design excites me – and I worship many makers who bring artisanal skill in metalwork, jewellery, ceramics, furniture and industrial design into poetic expression. Here, I’ve collated a selection of my current functional art favourites.

The eclectic work of Eric Schmitt, featuring reptilian scales and robust, melted forms, never ceases to inspire me, while the intriguing, crackled ceramics of Jos Devriendt’s toadstool-like lamps are a playful addition to any space. Then there’s the Scottato cabinet by Osanna Visconti, which explores the lost art of wax casting in bronze. Handcrafted in small volumes, these functional art pieces inherently record the hand of their maker – for me, evoking nothing short of a visceral reaction.

1
Wall Light DC1725
Vincenzo di Cotiis, 2017

2
Baroquisme DC1727 + DC1717
Vincenzo di Cotiis, 2017

3
Fertility Form illuminated light sculpture
Rogan Gregory, 2019

4
Element Screen
Osanna Visconti, 2019

5
Night + Day 382 Lamp
Jos Devriendt, 2021

6 
Extension Two Console
Olive Gill Hille, 2020

7
Wall light DC1306B 
Vincenzo di Cotiis, 2013

8
Scale dresser
Eric Schmitt, 2008

9
Interlude Wall Sconce 
Apparatus

10
Bloc Console
Eric Schmitt, 2008