Chris Locke, an artist in Austin, Texas, goes by the online nickname of "Heartless Machine". He's a true master of his craft, as illustrated in this surreal cup that looks like it's hovering in the air. It's held aloft by a special glaze that is so strong that it's load-bearing.
Many pieces illustrate Locke's pioneering work in what he calls "ploopware." This nativity set looks like it's been covered with cake frosting and sprinkles, but it's all ceramic.
At his wheel, Locke can throw beautiful and traditional containers, such as these funeral urns. But his puckish sense of humor shines through by the end.
In collaboration with fellow ceramic artist Tim Kowalczyk, Locke made several dangerously radioactive drinking cups. Maybe you'll get superpowers if you sip from one.
Locke enjoys mixing the luxurious and the mundane, such as the famous "jazz cup" image from the 1990s.
We instantly know what we're looking at when we see a piece by Locke. The vase is so beautiful that it belongs on display, which is something that you'd probably never do with a generic Thank You plastic shopping bag.