5 Contemporary Designers Creating Artistic Cutlery

When designing cutlery, contemporary artists confront the tension that lies between functionality and personal expression in their work. Forks, spoons, and knives possess inherent utility, but they can be created with artistic vision as the principle guiding force, even when it overrides practicality. Spoons are made from seashells, forks with cascading sterling silver ribbon handles, and minimalist knives with maximalist negative space. These five designers take flatware to the extreme, creating objects almost too beautiful to use.

“I taught myself jewelry design 10 years ago with a crème brûlée torch and some silver. But as much as I love jewelry, I think it’s kind of limiting if you have a love for design. I started seeing Josef Hoffmann’s work, specifically his Seven Ball Chair, and was excited by the empty spaces between material and its structural symmetry.” —Jessi Burch, New York

Last Set, hammered brass with copper rivets

“My inspiration pulls from natural shapes; sometimes the exact material I am using defines the work’s final shape. The idea is not for the set to be functional at all—sometimes function cages you in terms of process. Ultimately, can you eat with them? Of course, I’ve used them; they’re not so comfortable, but they are fun. Utilitarian objects usually adapt to you, but in this case it’s you that needs to adapt to the tool.”—Sebastião Lobo, Lisbon

Quartz Spoon, brass, natural stone, and silver and gold plated

“I wanted to explore how negative space can be as significant as the material itself. You can slip your fingers through the openings or curl them around the whole base, depending on what feels natural. This flexibility is part of the playfulness of this design. I want people to engage with the cutlery not just as tools but as small sculptures.” —Natalia Criado, Milan

“I know some of the shells might seem fragile, which can be intimidating to use, but my idea is to give the objects the chance to be whatever the person who acquires them wants them to be.” —Alana Burns, Mexico City

“It’s not straight-off-the-bat made to use. It’s more made to show. I’m interested in the presentation and theatrics more than the function. I started implementing ribbon motifs in late 2019. For the most part I was using them to explore ideas around my own gender expression and identity. The material incongruity felt complex and exciting, and I think—for myself—was communicating something I found otherwise difficult to articulate.” —Leo Costelloe, London