Henri Matisse remains one of the most important artists of all times. Matisse was the founder of Fauvism—a movement characterized by bold colors, simplified forms, and expressive brushwork. While he initially studied law, Matisse turned to painting in his early 20s and became renowned for his vibrant use of color and innovative approach to composition.

Over the past sixteen years, Alex Matisse, great-grandson of the artist, together with his business partner John Vigeland and his wife Connie, has cultivated East Fork Pottery, in Asheville, North Carolina, US into a flourishing enterprise, employing more than a hundred people.

Today, East Fork unveils the Matisse Collection, a vibrant selection of tabletop essentials adorned with some of the French artist’s most iconic works. The collection is stunning and features Matisse’s vibrant colours and shapes. What started as a simple selection of mugs and bowls in natural tones has grown into a full homeware range, including kitchen essentials, candles, and glassware.

In 2009, following a ceramics apprenticeship, Matisse relocated to a former tobacco farm in North Carolina, where he established his own pottery studio, East Fork and the rest is history.

‘For a long time, my family’s legacy felt more like a shadow than something to celebrate, so much so that I needed to disappear in the mountains of North Carolina to find my way out of it,’ Matisse says.

Now, Matisse has chosen to formally honour his celebrated lineage. East Fork has introduced the Matisse Collection, a spirited assortment of tabletop essentials featuring some of the French artist’s most iconic works. ‘With time, it feels like a natural progression to honor my great-grandfather’s legacy in this special way,’ Matisse said. The collection is gorgeous and should be on every table.

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