Bronze Casting Bowl

The Bronze Casting Bowl by Ann Van Hoey is born from the encounter between formal research and material experimentation — a sculptural object that explores the boundary between ceramic tradition and the expressive power of cast bronze. Commissioned by When Objects Work, this piece translates Van Hoey's celebrated geometric language into a new material realm, creating a presence that is both archaic and unmistakably contemporary.

The bowl features an intense, textured surface where controlled irregularities and subtle color variations tell the story of the casting and solidification process. Its sharp edge dialogues with a deep interior, creating a visual balance that recalls both the archetypal container and the quiet authority of contemporary sculpture. Each piece shows slight differences — a sign of careful, nonserial production in which the design gesture remains visible.

As bronze undergoes oxidation, it naturally generates a protective layer that gives the surface its unique and characteristic patina, evolving with time and environment. Designed as a transversal object, the Bronze Casting Bowl can serve as a table centerpiece, container, or standalone sculptural element — always maintaining an autonomous presence in space.