Memor by Maxine Midtbo
In her studio in Ohio, Maxine Midtbo breeds new life to old treasures such as lucite remnants, beads and shells for her beautifully irregular mosaic art pieces.
Photography: Egan Parks & Brooke Shanesy
The Memor Hydrias beverage dispenser, named for its likeness in purpose to the ancient Greek drinking vessel. Photo - Egan Parks. Styling - Elizabeth Lamb & Bella Quillin.
The bright and colourful Eliou collection. Photo - Brooke Shanesy. Art direction - Jessie Cundiff.
The Eliou collection. Photo - Brooke Shanesy. Art direction - Jessie Cundiff.
Hello Maxine, what are you working on at the moment?
Lately I’ve been working on settling in to my new home and studio. I’ve also just completed a textile project which we’ve just launched.
Tell us a little about your design journey…
I never imagined being a full-time artist, it seemed unattainable, so after art school I focused on my love for fashion instead. I managed a boutique which carried brands I loved and helped do the buying, merchandising and window display installations for the store. Working for small businesses after college taught me a lot; I was lucky the owners were willing to share an honest picture of what it was like for them. I began Memor with the intention of creating a collaborative type process allowing for conversations and the merging of more than one vision. I reached out to those I was interested in collaborating with and things took shape from there.
The Memor Hydrias beverage dispenser. Photo - Egan Parks. Styling - Elizabeth Lamb & Bella Quillin.
The Sicilian collection - all objects were collected in Sicily, Italy in 2019. Photo - Egan Parks.
When did you first discover your passion for ceramics?
I’ve always been drawn to creating the three-dimensional form. I took ceramic classes in school but found it to be hard to continue without access to expensive materials and facilities. I shifted my focus to textile and fiber sculpture. My process now most closely resembles mosaic work.
“I love historical references, fashion is also a big inspiration.”
What’s the process to making one of your pieces?
I spend a lot of time at thrift stores, antique malls, and re-use centres, gathering materials for Memor. When I actually sit down to make the piece my process is very intuitive. I may have a colour palette or theme I’m using for inspiration but for the most part, nothing is planned out. It's very organic.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love the conversations that transpire when I’m making a custom piece for someone. Whether it's a collaboration or something special for a client, this connection is what keeps me going.
A piece from the Memoir Conch collection. Photo - Brooke Shanesy. Art direction - Jessie Cundiff.
The Memor Hydrias beverage dispenser. Photo - Egan Parks. Styling - Elizabeth Lamb & Bella Quillin.
“I try to find everything in its second life cycle. Reusing is an important part of the concept behind Memor. ”
For you, what do the adornments symbolise?
I’m interested in the idea that discarded items take on a new meaning and context when combined with other more objectively valuable items. One woman's trash is another's treasure… value becomes very subjective.
What’s a typical day in your studio look like for you?
I’m an early riser so I like to get into the studio first thing. I love to listen to audiobooks while I work. I take a long break in the middle of the day to get some fresh air and walk my dog. By the late afternoon my energy is dwindling and I start winding down for the day. I love to end the day with a bath and glass of wine.