Ah, spring! This time of year, I’m ready to get out and see new things—art, clothes, people. What fun to find new pieces from Momoko Usami, one of my favorite ceramic artists, at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. The Barnard, Missouri-based artist’s new work is, expectedly, filled with beauty, humor, and joy. While I delight in her designs, they often have a utilitarian side. One of her previous pieces, lip balm in a ceramic lip-shaped box that I bought online during the pandemic—sits on my desk holding straight pins for my inspiration board. These newer pieces include a bear holding an acrobat tea strainer, and a slide box depicting a broad jumper. I defy you to keep a straight face. I smile every time I see them.
