Carl Koch

About

Carl Koch is a British-South African artist, currently based in Oxfordshire. Having studied product design at Central St Martins, graduating in 2010, Carl worked internationally as a graphic and print designer. His vision was always to launch his own studio practice. A dream he realised in 2017 when he established Paynes Grey.

With an emphasis on exploring the interplay between colour and texture Carl’s work takes inspiration from nature. Each piece is made from thousands of individually rolled, cut, dipped, and assembled ceramic tiles. Many single parts come together to tell a story, echoing the rhythm of nature, like a living organism made from thousands of cells. Each tile is laboriously hand crafted and undergoes several stages throughout the making process. Combining creative innovation with complex traditional techniques results in meticulously handmade artworks that are both technically accomplished and labour intensive – two driving factors that harmonise to create pieces that are as intricately detailed as they are amorphous and timeless.

For London Craft Week Carl will be unveiling new pieces that draw on the muse and ethos he shares with de Le Cuona – the colour and textures of nature.

“Aside from having South Africa in common, the ethos and practice of de Le Cuona echo my own vision for what I would like to produce. de Le Cuona’s fabrics are incredible but it’s the layering of the stories that accompany them that really draws me in. It seems a love of nature and how this can inspire us is at the heart of what we both do.” Carl Koch

Paynes Grey specialise in high-quality abstract, figurative and sculptural works of art. Working with interior designers the studio often match colours to fabric swatches used in the furnishings of their clients’ schemes. Each commissioned piece is expertly executed and refined using museum quality materials.