San Francisco
Len Carella
We specialize in the design and fabrication of functional ceramics and custom, site-specific installations and sculpture in materials such as porcelain, stoneware, and leather.
The Makers and Their Production Spaces
I personally hand make every item myself, dividing my time between my studio for all-ceramic projects and a home studio for all other processes and materials. My goal is to create compelling and timeless designs of the highest quality in San Francisco.
The Making Process
For ceramic projects, I use slab construction as well as wheel-thrown pieces in stoneware and porcelain. Leatherwork, i.e. woven, braided, and knotted, ultimately gets combined with the stoneware and porcelain pieces.
The Production Model
My sculpture work is done on a one-of-a-kind or collection basis, depending on the project. Installations are often site-specific and made to order. Functional ceramics are made in small batches and ‘to order’ for home and restaurant environments.
The Materials & Ingredients
Stoneware and porcelain are used for their durability and vitrification properties and high fired to achieve the depth and richness only found at high temperatures. Clays are sourced through local suppliers. The leatherwork is incorporated into the stoneware and porcelain to add additional dimension and contrasting of materials.