Meet the San Francisco Ceramicist Who Crafts Celebrity Faces

What to Spec Now

Cameron Caldwell, a young ceramic artist, has captured the attention of many with his unique and expressive vases. His work features celebrity faces, inspired by comedic actors like Bill Hader, Eugene Levy, Seth Rogen, Walton Goggins, and Jeff Goldblum. Caldwell’s creations are not only visually striking but also deeply personal. Born with mild cerebral palsy and Marfan Syndrome, he developed his skills through physical therapy using materials like putty and Play-Doh. This experience helped him build dexterity and motor control, ultimately leading to his passion for ceramic art.

Caldwell's vases are hand-thrown and biomorphic, showcasing his unrestrained imagination. He recently started working on a new series featuring Anne Hathaway, whom he admires for her face and the joy her movies bring him. Each piece takes up to two weeks to complete and can range in price from $500 to $1,500. Interior designers such as Erin Martin, Kendall Wilkinson, and Ken Fulk have taken notice of his work, with some even featuring his pieces in their boutiques.

On the Block

Veere Grenney, an AD100 designer, is set to auction nearly 150 lots from his private collection at The Temple, his Palladian retreat in Suffolk. The event, hosted by Dreweatts in London, will feature items that reflect Grenney’s classical style. Miles Redd, a designer who considers Grenney a "true north," shares his insights on the auction. He highlights Lot 47, a pair of geraniums in terra-cotta pots, and Lot 1, white-painted metal garden seats once owned by Bunny Mellon. The sale is not just about treasures but also about learning to let go, as Grenney values beautiful things without being ruled by them.

See This

William Stout Architectural Books, a San Francisco institution, has found a new way to reach its audience with the Stout Bookmobile. This retrofitted 1970 Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter carries custom USM Haller shelving and graphics by LoveFrom studio. The concept, inspired by midcentury American bookmobiles, aims to extend the shop's reach by meeting customers where they are. The van has already made appearances at events like the San Francisco Art Book Fair and is set to visit studios, firms, and cultural events in the future.

Design Happenings

Collectible New York, the design world's coolest fair, is set to take place from September 4 to 7. This year's event features 123 exhibitors, including the Quadrato collection and Murano glass works by Avenue Road. Attendees can look forward to seeing Julio Torres' collab with Sabai and new rugs by Kwangho Lee for cc-tapis. The fair also showcases emerging talent, such as Jonald Dudd, and features a Curated section focused on Folly, created in collaboration with Cat Snodgrass and Wallpaper Projects.

Stay Here

Istanbul's Aliée hotel offers a unique blend of history and modernity. Once a palace and shipyard, it now boasts 122 rooms and suites, six dining concepts, and a multilevel spa. Designed by Powerstrip Studio, the hotel incorporates local craft traditions and original stone walls. Guests can enjoy traditional hammam experiences, saunas, cold plunges, and a Russian-style banya. The outdoor swim club provides sweeping views of the Bosphorus and the city skyline.

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Explore more stories from Architectural Digest, including touring Tomokazu Matsuyama’s Brooklyn Studio, Frank Lloyd Wright’s final design, and the best online furniture stores. Learn about the political history of gilding, luxury hotel pillows, and the minimalist home of fashion mogul Jerry Lorenzo. Discover the best cooling fans and the well-tailored town house of Yael Aflalo in NYC’s West Village. Sign up for the daily newsletter to get the best of design in your inbox.