What do you do when someone in your house accidentally breaks a delicate ceramic plate or bowl? You probably mope a little at the loss of the precious ceramic cutlery and then throw the broken shards in the dustbin. What else can we do, right? But artist Bouke De Vries uses these damaged ceramics and creates wonderful art out of them.
Born in the Netherlands and living in London at present, Bouke has made a name for himself by creating delicate modern art out of discarded and shattered ceramics. In fact, he’s now being touted as ‘The Porcelain Phoenix”. The goal of the artist is to ensure that all broken ceramics be able to continue living even after they have suffered a fatal “accident”. This is why he attempts to breathe new life in them with his precious skills. According to Bouke, any broken object can be into a work of art in its own right.
The Dutch artist studied at the Central St. Martin’s in London and worked in high fashion before moving towards ceramics conservation and restoration in the early 1990s. He learned this art at West Dean College and has been using his skills ever since by giving a second life to various ceramic objects like plates, vases, cups, or even teapots. Sometimes he uses broken blue willow plates into a map of China and sometimes he uses small shards of porcelain to make the thorns on a blossoming rose. The highlight of Bouke’s art is that he reforms ordinary things into something beautiful that revels in the charms of their previous forms.
The artist has worked with porcelain as a restorer for 15 years and has now begun his own practice. Interestingly, while Bouke searches for broken pottery and glass shards to begin his work, he never breaks an undamaged piece; his only aim is to reinvigorate damaged ceramics.
Let’s now take a look at some of the most beautiful works of Bouke De Vries.
See Also: 27 Ways to Re-Use Broken Household Items
Don’t Miss These Insanely Creative Things People Crocheted
Enjoy these beautiful pictures of crochet artworks.
These Paintings Transport You to the Mountains
Enjoy this beautiful collection of paintings by renowned Russian artist Nicholas Roerich.
These Charming Animal Sculptures Are Made From Scraps
Artist Bryony Rose Jennings uses discarded scraps of fabric to build whimsical animal figures. Check out her best works!
These Welded Steel Animals Look Like They’re Moving!
Australian sculptor and installation artist Georgie Seccul creates stainless steel animals made of hundreds of sheets and shards of metal...
This Chef’s Art-Like Pasta Designs Will Blow Your Mind
Chef David Rivillo likes to make unique designs from pasta. Check out some of his incredible creations.
The Thinker: Little-Known Facts About the Famous Statue
The Thinker by Auguste Rodin is one of the most famous sculptures in the world. But there's so much we still don't know about it...
The Secrets Behind Today's Special Effects...
Can you believe this movie set was made of sculptures?
Now That's Ventriloquism Like I've Never Seen Before...
This ventriloquist has found a new and creative way to make us laugh and gasp.
The Most Underrated Christmas Movies You Never Saw
This holiday season, enjoy these underrated Christmas movies.
Revealing the Secrets Behind 15 Popular Magic Tricks...
Adults know that there are secrets behind every magic trick, and although a magician can never reveal them, we can….. Tags: Facebook comments
Watch This Pianist Explain Musical History, Musically!
If you want to know more about the development of classical music through the centuries, this brief video is just the ticket.
This Adorable Father-Daughter Duo Will Make You Smile
Alexa and Jorge Narvaez are a father-daughter singing team that continue to perform even today. This video was released by them in 2010 and would eventually change their lives for the better.
15 Incredible Paintings That Every Art Lover Must Know...
Here are some of the greatest paintings in art history. What do they mean to you?
These Dancers & Acrobats Put On an Incredible Show
These two dancers slash acrobats are beyond amazing...
Beethoven Would Have Loved This Beautiful and Musical Ode
A beautiful and mesmerizing ode to the beautiful and classic music of Beethoven.
Feast Your Eyes on 10 Masterpieces by Norman Rockwell
Norman Rockwell was a famous 20th century American painter. Here are 10 of his best paintings.
This Dance Group Tells an Emotional Story Through Shadows
Watch this shadow dance group put on an emotional performance.
These 3D Paintings Appear to Pop Out Of the Sidewalk!
This has to be the most unique street art you'll ever see. This Russian artist's incredible work appears to come alive out of sidewalks in major cities.
Feeling Nostalgic? These Billy Joel Hits are Just for You
A playlist of 16 of Billy Joel's biggest hits
Who Knew Tea Bags Could be Used to Create Great Art?
Ruby Silvious is an artist from New York who uses tea bags as her diary. Check out her amazing work!
10 Must-Read and Must-See Books and Films about Aging
In the world of movies and books, there hasn’t always been an incredible representation of the aging process. We have found some gems for you though!
This Young Violinist Will Treat Your Ears to Heaven...
watch as 11 year old Tyler Butler-Figueroa wows the judges of America's Got Talent with his violin music.
INTERACTIVE: 12 of the Most Beautiful Classical Pieces...
By exploring this interactive image you can experience stunning interpretations of timeless melodies, both classic and contemporary. Just click on these keys and watch the magic unfold!
These Miniature Animal Sculptures Are Just Too Cute!
Katie Doka quit her job as a High School teacher and started making miniature animal statues. Here's some of her fantastic work!
Let 'The Sugar Plum Fairy Dance' Excite Your Xmas Spirit!
What poise ballerina Nina Kaptsova displays in this gorgeous performance of Tchaikovsky's most Christmassy dance!
This Magician Sure Fooled Me! How Did He Do It?
Does this magician have what it takes to fool Penn and Teller? Watch His Fascinating Trick Here.
WATCH: A Superb Xylophone Performance by Christoph Sietzen
This beautiful xylophone performance, which is an interpretation of Emmanuel Séjourné's Attraction, will have you utterly spellbound.
This Harp Breathes Magical New Life Into an Old Classic
Many people often claim that the harp is the instrument of the angels, and after watching this video, I'm sure you'll be inclined to agree.
This Mongolian Folk Music Sends Shivers Down My Spine
I had never even heard the Mongol language before, much less its traditional throat singing. I have to say the experience is spellbinding.
Richard Jones' Magical Performance Leaves Everyone in Awe
Richard Jones's magical performance on the talent show 'Britain's Got Talent' leaves the judges and the audience stunned! How does he do it?
Watch This Daredevil Stun the Britain's Got Talent Judges
Have you ever seen a magician as brave and as crazy as TanBA? View his fearless act here.
These Vintage Bird Illustrations are Charming & Beautiful
Here is a look at 20 gorgeous paintings by the celebrated nature artist John James Audubon’s seminal book 'Birds of America'
Learn Some Fascinating Facts in the Most Fun Way!
Just Keep Thinking is a project making information about the world accessible and fun through fun colorful illustrations. Scroll to learn something new!
Is This What Falling in Love Sounds Like on Piano?
When celebrated young pianist Jarrod Radnich performed this majestic piece at such a glorious castle I could not help but be swept away.
You've Never Heard Ave Maria Sung Like This Before
Martin Hurkens voice is absolutely incredible. Check it out here.
André Rieu Orchestrates an Incredible Duet!
What an extraordinary performance, as André Rieu orchestrates a song from La Traviata.
Not Only a Beautiful Shadow Dance, But Also a Story...
An incredibly talented shadow troupe performing an enchanting dance that tells a story...
This Is How 11 Ancient Roman Ruins Looked Like In the Past
Very little of ancient Rome remained to this day, but here is a wonderful reconstruction of some of the most famous sighs.
This Bizarre Magic Trick Will Really 'String' You Along...
Mac King's magic always gets me. I never have any clue how he can possibly fool me, but he does so time and time again. Encore!
This Food Art of Kids' Favorite Characters Is Remarkable!
One mom turns her child's meals into amazing food art. Here are 20 of her greatest dishes.
You Won't Believe How Much People Paid For These Paintings
There are some paintings in this world that cost so much money, it's enough to make your eyes water. Here are the most expensive paintings ever sold.
This John Lennon Song Reminds Me it's Good to Be Older
This beautiful presentation takes us through the annals of "Borrowed Time" - a great and meaningful song by John Lennon.
This Young Girl Plays the Violin Like No Other
Masha Marshon impresses everyone with her violin skills. I've never heard such beauty before.
A Gorgeous Piece of Music to Uplift Your Spirits
These 2 cellists will take you on a musical journey of a lifetime.
The Most Gorgeous Animal Paintings in History – 16 Pics
Explore the beauty of animals in these amazing paintings from over the years.
WATCH: Brightman & Bocelli's Musical Masterpiece
Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli possess two of the most famous voices in the entire world, so you can imagine what happens when they join forces. Watch.