# Functional Carcass Vessels The 'Sheep Chase' by Maria Volokhova Has Purpose By Krzysztof Bielski | Published 2011-10-06 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volokova-sheep-heads References: [volokhova](http://www.volokhova.com/index.php?/porcelain/sheep-chase/) Maria Volokhova' s new project dubbed 'Sheep Chase' is another artist's attempt to deliver not only [magical art objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ferro-capsule) but also piece of [functional design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/berto-hidden-secrets). Inspired by Murakami's work, each sheep head is designed to enrich experiences but can also be a serving bowl, a multi-purpose box., piggy bank or even salt and pepper shakers when you remove the eyes. Though Volokhova's Sheep Chase project is not low-priced, each piece is [handcrafted and handprinted](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handpainted-ceramic-collections) with care, and thus, a valuable addition to your home. Volokova trained in printmaking originally but decided to study porcelain and china-making to be able to "express the fragility of inner organs both in the visual and tactile dimensions," as she says in her artist's statement. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Functional Art Objects:** The 'Sheep Chase' project incorporates functionality into art objects, presenting opportunities for artists to blend the two seamlessly. - **Multipurpose Design:** The 'Sheep Chase' project showcases the potential to create multipurpose designs, opening opportunities for designers to create products with a dual purpose for customers. - **Handcrafted Products:** The handcrafted nature of the 'Sheep Chase' project highlights the potential for artists and designers to create unique, custom-made products that add value to a customer's home or lifestyle. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art and Design:** The 'Sheep Chase' project highlights innovation opportunities in the art and design industries to create functional, multipurpose products that double as art objects. - **Home Decor:** The 'Sheep Chase' project highlights innovation opportunities in the home decor industry to create unique, handcrafted products that add value to a customer's home. - **Ceramics and Porcelain:** The 'Sheep Chase' project can inspire innovation opportunities for artisans and designers working with ceramics and porcelain to create functional, aesthetically-pleasing products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Experimental Pottery Vessels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gourd-project.md) - [Origami-Inspired Porcelain Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saori-matsushita.md) - [Sophisticated Upcycled Home Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basket-sculptures.md) - [Sculptural Knitted Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-knitted-objects.md) - [Sculptural Mixed-Media Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folded-echoes.md) - [Sculpted Utilitarian Vessels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pot-variations.md) - [Textural Porcelain Vessels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tamara-efrat.md) - [Cardboard-Inspired Ceramic Household Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-collection.md) - [Artsy Surrealist Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gohar-world.md)