spinning tops salt & pepper shakers

Christopher Stiles

While studying abroad in England in his youth, Christopher Stiles noticed an art gallery selling hand-blown glass in the window. The experience compelled him to seek new ways to express his ideas through hand-formed objects.

Upon returning to the U.S., Stiles earned a Bachelor's degree in fine art, with a focus in ceramics from California State University, Long Beach. After graduation, he apprenticed with a master mold maker to further hone his skills.

Stiles' attention to detail begins with the design. When he reflects upon something he's seen, he unravels the concept to its core, then turns it on its head. His goal is to examine those forms we take for granted and reduce them to their most rudimentary aspects. Stiles finishes each piece asking more questions than revealing answers - it's simply the nature of his work.

Stiles ponders the little things with big questions, mulling over thoughts like, "What does it mean to be a salt and pepper shaker - to simply season food?" His very real questions produce extraordinarily unique pieces that offer both form and function.

Stiles highlights the simplicities he sees in everyday objects to produce organic sculptures. Ultimately, his work connects us not just to an image or an object, but to one another through the things we touch, share and integrate into our lives.