Style: Robots, Aliens, and Godzilla, Oh My—Doug Spalding's Colorful Ceramic Tiles

I am well aware that what I am about to say is a bit geeked-out, but I have always been strangely attracted to robots. Maybe this fascination can be traced back to my younger days sitting in front of the television watching Johnny Sokko, but, whatever the reason, I am always in search of artwork with a robot theme.

Doug Spalding, a Michigan-based artist, works with clay to create amazing, colorful, ceramic art. He predominantly crafts pop art tiles that are fun and entertaining (everything from yetis to corn dogs). Many of his pieces frequently get an audible giggle out of me when I see the playful images he conjures up.

One of his reoccurring themes are robots and, if you can't imagine a robot being striking, then you haven’t experienced one of Doug’s vibrant ceramics. He also makes quite a few tiles that focus on architecture and music (my sister's obsession)—each tile a unique story in itself. His art is always approachable, sometimes silly, and never takes itself too seriously. His tiles make terrific, surprising gifts for adults and kids alike. And even if your love for robots isn’t as fervent as mine, it's guaranteed that Doug has something for you, too. Details: www.spaldingstudio.com

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Style: Righting Russel Wright Dinnerware Designs

For Mother's Day this year, I was presented with a gift from the modern master, Russel Wright. Wright's dinnerware made its first appearance in the late '30s; brought simple, unpretentious pieces to the masses; and became the most widely sold ceramic tableware of all time.

Although Wright passed away in the '70s, his ideas continue to live on. Wright's daughter has recently collaborated with Bauer Pottery in LA to recreate his dinnerware designs. Wright's water pitcher is still a beautiful example of streamlined perfection; the salt and pepper shakers, an exercise in stout playfulness; and the colors, vibrant, warm, and rich. Using these new gifts on a daily basis remind me that easy, informal living never has to be ugly. Details: www.bauerpottery.com/russelwright.php.

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