A colorful story of craftsmanship and everyday magic
At the heart of our Hand-painted collection is Dutch artist Joëlle Wehkamp - the creative mind whose playful and distinctive style turns every single piece into a tiny work of art. Her bold use of color and joyful details make the collection a true celebration of craftsmanship and everyday magic.
To dive deeper into the universe, we asked Joëlle to share more about her journey and creative process – from the very first sketch to the finished hand-painted
product.
How does your creative journey begin?
“For me, creativity always starts with a spark - it can be during a trip to an inspiring city, a walk in nature, or even just from noticing a small pattern in everyday life,” Joëlle shares.
Together with Charlotte, Creative Director and Co-founder of rice, ideas are exchanged back and forth until they slowly take shape as sketches, illustrations, and eventually a full collection overview. From there, the journey continues in Portugal, where skilled artisans hand-paint each piece under Joëlle’s guidance.
“Ceramics have always been a part of my life - my grandfather was a potter, and both my grandmother and mother collected tableware - so in many ways, this feels like coming full circle.”
What is it like to see other artists painting your designs?
“Seeing my designs come to life in the hands of such skilled artisans is like a little bit of magic,” Joëlle shares. “They bring their own sensibility to each brushstroke, and you can feel that love and care every time you use the collection.”
The newest additions to the Hand-painted family bring playful new shapes and designs – from cups and mugs to beautiful serving pieces. All created to set the table
with a personal and colorful story.
What do you hope people will feel when using the collection?
“I hope this collection creates a feeling of warmth, joy, and togetherness,” Joëlle explains. “Some of my happiest childhood memories are tied to tableware - each
occasion in my family had its own set, and those pieces still bring back the atmosphere of those moments. I hope these ceramics will do the same for others - creating cozy gatherings and lasting memories.”
Want to read more about the artist behind Hand-painted?
Our creative bond with Joëlle began more than 13 years ago, and over time it has only grown stronger. “From the first moment I reached out to Charlotte, I felt an instant match,” Joëlle says. “The brand’s playful, colorful DNA resonated perfectly with my own artistic vision.”
Read more about Joëlle and her strong relationship with rice here: Meet the artist