Future Fossils is a collection of new works by Simon Johns, using mimicry in materials, loosely referencing the sedimentary striations in million years old stone. This collection explores positives and negatives of both extrusions and voids, in both gypsum cement and slip-cast stoneware. The traces of natural looking elements are preserved into mold-like volumes, structured into aluminum grids and more free-form geometries. The pieces are really furniture, but also seem like documents, celebrating the traces of something lost.

Future Fossils Magma Lamp is a floor lamp made of stoneware and thick blown glass, encased in a shell of Black Walnut, Aluminum or Douglas Fir. Molds are made of a hand carved texture, clay is pressed into2 parts of these forms, and thick glass is blown into the last section. The result is a continuous texture that travels through two materials both from the mineral world, one of them looking as though it could still be molten.

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Future Fossils VESSELS is a continuation of the exploration of highly textured forms through mimicry and mold-making. Drawing from the natural textures of sedimentary stone, this series of vessels uses the same methods as the Magma Lamps; a slab-built, press-molded patchwork of sorts. Hand made glazes and slips interpret layers of lichen and fungi, and are unique to each vessel. VESSELS are available sporadically, through exhibitions or by order. Inquire to know what is currently in stock, or to me notified when new pieces are available.

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This credenza takes a sleek, lightly faceted cabinet and splits it open into three parts. As two columns cleave the clean geometry, the Future Fossils collection's signature texture is revealed in glazed stoneware. A balanced combination where spontaneous, disruptive textures interrupt high craft and clean lines, with no compromise to functionality.

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A low console, with a continuous cavernous void that spreads through a rigid structure. The hand polished aluminum reflects light from the room onto the interior of the piece, highlighting the collections signature texture, while also creating illusions of transparency through reflection.

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The most expressive of the Future Fossils collection, the low table features slip-cast volumes of stoneware, each loosely mimicking 
the textures of sedimentary stone. Of varying shapes and sizes, they are organized around a polished aluminum volume that reflects the light from the room. An aluminum top and bottom contain these forms within a perimeter dictated by the ceramic shapes.

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Future Fossils End Table is the result of hand  pressing slabs of clay into a plaster mold, using the collections texture. The cracks and defects of this type of assembly remain visible on the outside and randomly interfere with the main texture. These cannot be seen until the entire piece is ready to leave the mold, and embracing these aspects emphasizes the hand-made aspect and simple quality of this age-old material. Cream stoneware or terracotta coloured stoneware with aluminum tops. 

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A collection of wall mounted ceramic pieces, either illuminated or reflective. The irregular and highly textured objects evoke bleached coral, lava scars or even barnacles. Either emitting a warm and gradient glow as a sconce, or reflecting as a mirror, the works are both sculptural and ghostlike. Portals can be combined into sets that resemble groupings of family portraits, alone as curiosities, or used as you would any kind of sconce or decorative mirror.

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A slender tower-like sculptural bookcase, made from a rigid hand polished aluminum structure. Through the grid-like structure, a cast form of the collection’s signature texture made of clay with lichen-like layers of glazes flows continuously through the layers. The polishing of the aluminum creates illusions of transparency on the outside, and interiors that glow, reflecting the light from the room.

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A heavy statement chair, with volumes reminiscent of brutalist architecture and deep textured voids. Depth of details are emphasized when the light reaches the voids, while the simple exterior planes become monochromatic geometric shapes.

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A slender tower-like sculptural bookcase, with a continuous cavernous void that rises through a rigid structure. The hand polished aluminum reflects light from the room onto the interior of the piece, highlighting the collections signature texture, while also creating illusions of transparency through reflection.

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