Artists' Statement

       At mary+hoss, we believe that perfection is not always flawless. While humanity has evolved to admire the precision of mathematics, the beauty of nature, and the functionality of a good design, our modern perception of perfection often leans toward the industrial -- something uniform, without any trace of process or imperfection. However, we see beauty in the irregularities, the so-called flaws that naturally emerge during creation. For us, these imperfections are not defects but an integral part of the journey. They reflect the evolution of nature, life, and humanity -- none of which are truly perfect, but all of which are harmonious in their own way. We challenge conventional ideas of perfection. We focus on harmony, simplicity, and craftsmanship, designing objects that are minimal, functional, and pleasing to both the touch and the eye. Sustainability is also at the heart of our practice. We make every effort to minimize our environmental impact by reusing clay and glaze mineral waste from our studio and firing at lower temperatures (cone 6), as the right chemistry allows us to save energy without compromising quality. Since our inception, we have avoided purchasing new plastic containers, opting instead for second-hand ones, and we work diligently to generate as little landfill waste as possible.

 

Who We Are.

      We’re Maryam and Hossein, partners in life and in art. We both grew up in Iran, where our shared passion for crafts brought us together in college. From there, we earned our BFAs in Crafts. Hossein pursue an MFA in Ceramics at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). After a lot of immigration challenges and the uncertainties of being far from home it ultimately led us to Kohler Village, Wisconsin, where we’ve planted new roots. Here, in our “cozy” home studio, we create with our hearts and hands. Our larger installation and tile work have evolved into a desire to make something more intimate—objects that people can hold and use every day. We love the idea of making pieces that become part of someone's daily life, that carry memories and stories with them for years to come. There’s something magical about a beautiful object that becomes a part of your routine—it’s like a quiet companion, bringing a bit of joy to the everyday.

       Each piece we make is crafted from porcelain, entirely by hand. Some pieces carry a touch of 24K gold, adding a little bit of warmth to the experience. No two pieces are exactly alike because each one is individually painted, carved, and glazed, carrying the marks of our hands and the imperfections of the process—just like life itself. They're meant to be used, cherished, and passed down—because we believe that everyday objects should be as thoughtfully designed as the moments they help create. And while most of our pieces are microwave and dishwasher safe, those with gold or decals appreciate a little extra care—just like the treasured items they’re meant to become.