Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Lau.
Hi Carrie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Hong Kong and moved to Los Angeles in 2008, where my background in graphic design and art direction eventually led me to found Object-Matter (O-M). Ceramics started as something I tried for fun, but the first time I touched clay I felt an immediate connection. It grounded me in a way that felt calm, slow, and deeply meditative — so different from the pace of digital work.
O-M began with ceramics, making small pieces for myself and friends. When people started connecting with them — wanting to live with them, gift them, collect them — the studio naturally grew. Over time, O-M has expanded into painting, sculptural objects, and textiles, but the spirit has always stayed the same: curiosity, play, and the joy of making.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not always. Being an artist and building a studio means there are moments of flow and energy, and moments of doubt and pause. I’ve faced challenges like balancing the practical side of running a business with staying true to the work, and navigating periods where sales were slower or I wasn’t sure if my vision was understood.
But I’ve come to see those pauses as necessary. They push me to reflect, experiment, and sometimes pivot. Even though it can feel uncomfortable, that process is what keeps the work alive and evolving.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Object-Matter, my work moves between ceramics, painting, sculpture, and design objects. I started with functional ceramics, but over time my practice has expanded into more sculptural and conceptual pieces, as well as collaborations that blur the line between art and design. What ties it all together is curiosity — about materials, textures, and colors, but also about memory, emotion, and how objects can hold a story.
I think what sets O-M apart is a balance between playfulness and reflection. The work carries a certain lightness — bright colors, organic forms, painterly surfaces — but underneath is a quiet, meditative quality. It’s about joy, but also about pausing, noticing, and connecting.
From making small pieces for friends to creating a body of work that people bring into their homes and lives. Seeing someone connect with a piece — whether it’s a mug they use every morning, a sculpture on their wall, or an installation that makes them pause — that’s what keeps me inspired.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Collaborating is one of the most exciting parts of the journey. It’s a chance to meet people from different companies and creative backgrounds, to open up your usual rhythm and see where new ideas and intentions can lead. It’s fun, inspiring, and often brings results you could never plan for.
I love working with people who are curious and open to exploring ideas together. Collaboration has always been a big part of my practice — whether that’s creating custom pieces, developing sculptural or interior projects, or working on brand and design collaborations.
The best way to connect is through my website omceramic.com
or by emailing me directly at [email protected]
. Supporting O-M can also be as simple as following along on Instagram @omceramic
, sharing the work, or coming to see it in person if there is any events or shows.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://omceramic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omceramic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omceramic/
