Conch Vase

A ceramic sculpture resembling a human buttock with a large nose painted on it, placed on a wooden frame in an art studio.

The Conch Vase is a sculptural homage to the unique charm of Old Florida, reimagined through an alien-like, futuristic lens. Merging vintage coastal aesthetics with bold, otherworldly design, the vase is inspired by the flowing curves of conch shells and the vibrant, surreal forms of sea slugs (nudibranchs).

Its gradient palette of soft blush pink, baby blue, and dark black accents evoke the nostalgic hues of Floridian sunsets while hinting at the bioluminescent beauty of underwater life. This dynamic color interplay bridges the past and the future, creating a piece that feels both timeless and avant-garde.

Designed by Lily Mustelier, creative director of Apollo Plants, and crafted using hempcrete, a sustainable material, the Conch Vase embodies the synergy of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. Finished with the ancient Moroccan tadelakt technique, the surface is polished to a smooth, water-resistant gloss using a hand-tumbled stone, blending old-world techniques with cutting-edge design.

Alie Gonzalez, a skilled 3D modeler and fabricator, transformed this concept into reality, ensuring every curve and detail captured the spirit of coastal Florida with an imaginative twist. The Conch Vase is not just a functional planter—it’s a statement piece that celebrates the convergence of heritage, sustainability, and visionary artistry.

A large ceramic pot is positioned upside down on a wooden board, with pink glaze being poured over it, creating drips and pooling on the surface below. The workshop setting includes tools, shelves, and cones in the background.
A black, modern, sculptural planter with an abstract shape, placed on a tiled floor next to a white wall.

The Conch Vase began as a concept brought to life through a process of mold creation, casting, and hand-finishing.

We are incredibly grateful to Moonlighter Fablab for offering an accessible and inspiring space for artists and designers to bring their visions to reality.

Side view of a woman holding a bouquet of white flowers in front of a curtain on the left. A woman wearing LED glasses and a striped shirt posing against a gray background on the right.

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