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Alexandra Vaga

@sourceandtradition

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Porcelain for extraordinary tables
From Michelin-starred restaurants to your home
Jean-Georges • Four Seasons • The Shinmonzen
Seasonal commissions

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A little hello and a new chapter…
I haven’t posted since February and it feels strange because so much has happened and I have met so many new people!

If you’re new here, I am Alexandra Vaga, the maker behind Source & Tradition.

I’ve been working with porcelain for more than twenty years. Most of what I make begins very simply with my hands, a slab of clay and an idea that I want to express.

I have always been interested in the space between art and everyday life. I make things to be used, to sit on a table, hold food, catch light, quietly become part of a gathering or spark conversation and awareness before a meal.

I started making professionally in 2004 producing handmade porcelain for Sundance, Terrain and Anthropologie. In 2014 I opened my Bay Head studio and spent the next decade building Source & Tradition through retail, custom work and collaborations. Since 2018, much of my work has been created for chefs, restaurants and hotels, including Jean-Georges, Aman, Four Seasons and The Shinmonzen in Kyoto.

A lot has changed over the past year. The studio has changed and so has the way I want to work. After more than twenty years I am much more interested in making space for the things that make my art interesting in the first place. Collaboration, curiosity, conversation, and life outside of the studio is fueling my creativity right now.

This fall is the beginning of a new chapter for Source & Tradition. I’m bringing back some old favorites, introducing new collections, and working with creatives that I admire. I’ve been making and quietly experimenting all year and I’m finally ready to release new collections.

If you’ve been following for years, welcome back and if we’ve recently met out in the real world, welcome! I have a lot in the works for this fall and it feels good to be back sharing it with you.

📷 Some of my most requested work from the past year, photographed by @christinalilly #sourceandtradition by @sourceandtradition

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2 months ago

✨ I’ve been having the best time diving back into my colorful archives and bringing old favorites to life — even some classics from my @shopterrain days. The first round of custom orders are getting ready to head out the door! I’m going to take full advantage of my limited time left in my magical studio space with several planned events ✨

I’m opening up one more round of custom orders at 25% off — and for anyone who loves the thrill of the hunt, I’m hosting one more Seconds Sale! Join us Saturday, 9/27 at 9am in person!

And because no party is complete without @shaynedawg Shayne’s paintings will also be 20% off. 🖼️🐕🌊

📩 To custom order: email orders@sourceandtradition.com or DM me

#sourceandtradition #handmadeinbayhead #bayhead #porcelain #movingsale #timeflys #dowhatyoulove
Photos: @christinalilly archives 2017-2020 taken in Source and Tradition by @sourceandtradition

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a year ago

After twenty years of making porcelain, I’m stepping into one of the biggest shifts yet for Source & Tradition: I am moving from my public studio into private production.

It’s hard to put into words how much my Bay Head studio has meant to me. For 11 years, this historic space by the sea has held my work, my energy, and my heart! It’s been a place of connection and learning, where I’ve met so many friends and felt the encouragement of this community. I’ve laughed here, struggled here, and grown here and I am forever grateful!

My path as an artist has always unfolded in chapters. From 2005 to 2015, I worked from my private home studio and showed at NYNOW shows where I built my first partnerships with Sundance, Terrain, and Anthropologie. In 2014, opening my Bay Head space allowed me to meet growing demand and most importantly welcome so many of you in person! In 2017, the Architectural Digest Design Show opened the door to restaurant collaborations with Chef Jean-Georges teams that continue to inspire me today from celebrated New York kitchens to projects abroad.

Every chapter has shaped me. Every season has been necessary. And now, I know with absolute clarity: it’s time for the next one!

Through it all, I’ve had the love of Shayne (who I met within these walls), the joy of raising my three children alongside this work, the endless support of family, and the help of more than fifteen incredible studio + retail assistants!

Source & Tradition will now focus on private production, expanded collections for my restaurant partners, and more intentional ways of sharing my work. I’m giving myself the gift of creative privacy and rhythm and the freedom to return fully to what I love most: making porcelain!

For my Bay Head community, this isn’t goodbye! You’ll find select collections right next door at @noondesigns where I’ll continue to have a presence alongside their beautiful work.

I feel a mix of nostalgia and excitement, gratitude and confidence but most of all, I feel ready. Thank you for walking this path with me. The best part of making has always been sharing and I cannot wait to share the exciting news of what’s coming next! by @sourceandtradition

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a year ago

’Tis the season for gathering! Around the table, over shared meals, with old friends and new. This is the entertaining season I love most and this fall I am genuinely excited to both create and entertain at home.

It’s been almost a full year since I dismantled and moved my Bay Head studio. In hindsight I can honestly say it was both the best and most disorienting decision I have ever made. I will forever be grateful for the encouragement of my mom, sister @maieliis bestie @integrativehealingandwellness husband @shaynedawg and kids as well as @whimsicalityshop @carabrowndesigns and @wabi_snobby for cheering me on and helping me see the bigger picture.

Sometimes it takes speaking your full truth out loud to see clearly. And with this clarity I’m going to be doing things a little differently this year!

With the holidays approaching I’m setting an earlier than usual final window for custom dinnerware, tablescaping collections, and handmade porcelain bowls, followed by the launch of dedicated holiday collections beginning November 1.

If you’ve been thinking about creating something special for your holiday table now is the time to reach out!

Custom order inquiries close this week. As always, orders are first come, first served. I work very quickly but there are only so many pieces I can fit through my kilns before the holidays!

I am also creating thoughtfully curated collections of ready-to-shop bowls, serving pieces, and gifts.

Beginning November 1, Source & Tradition will be restocked locally at Whimsicality in Spring Lake and Noon Designs in Bay Head. I’ve been working hard behind the scenes to ensure each shop has its own beautiful selection of handmade pieces.

You’ll also find my work at select trunk shows and online at sourceandtradition.com

Whether you’re setting a table for two, twelve or more, gathering a few friends, or searching for something meaningful to give, I hope these pieces become part of your traditions.

DM or email to inquire about custom holiday orders by October 18.

#sourceandtradition by @sourceandtradition

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3 days ago

Beginning the fall with a wonderful evening of sharing “our stories” and encouraging one another as women in business. There is nothing like a good meal and friendship to stimulate the soul.
Thank you ladies for your time and energy.
@hungryforhome
@lady_lancaster_
@jenniferlillyrisk
@cornerstone.gourmet
@keelyfloraldesign
@kate_mancini_art
@sourceandtradition
@leahmelbyclinton
@carabrowndesigns

#fallevents #womensupportwomen #women #together #oneofakind by @sourceandtradition

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19 days ago

Spent last week getting Noah settled in Santa Barbara, just steps from the Pacific Ocean!
I’m so excited for everything that lies ahead for you @noahfallon4 even if I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do without you here. So proud of you and so excited to watch this next chapter unfold. Go have the adventure of a lifetime 🤍 by @sourceandtradition

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22 days ago

Today’s sale is dedicated to my husband Shayne Boyle @shaynedawg and his wildly colorful free-spirited art and equally colorful approach to life.

Shayne is showing today in Amagansett at @fahertybrand Duppy & The Dawg Art Show. If you’re out East, stop by, say hi, meet the artists and take home some original art from @shaynedawg and @liam_duppy Shayne and Liam are two of Faherty’s original models!

From whimsical dog portraits to surfboards, wine labels, pianos, lamps, skateboards, umbrellas and denim to our wedding clothes, sofas and his red Cadillac convertible (which is basically an art installation in itself) very few surfaces remain untouched by Shaynedawg.

In honor of today’s show, Day 4 of my sale will be all about COLOR.

At 2pm in Stories I will have a selection of Shayne’s work along with some bright new Source & Tradition sample pieces and shells.

If you are in the area or have friends out East I highly suggest scooping up their original art or buying Faherty denim for Shayne to customize! by @sourceandtradition

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a month ago

Happy 21st Birthday Hannah Rose! @hrose205

You are such a bright shining light on a day that carries so much significance. Beautiful, smart, thoughtful, loyal, independent and brave enough to make choices that are truly your own. Watching you grow has been one of the greatest joys of my life!

You and I have always shared a deep love for caretaking and a strong pull for independence. 25 years ago today I was 21, a senior at RISD and submitting my thesis when the planes hit and the world changed. I remember listening to Tom Waits over and over again during that time. Fast forward a few years to when you were a little girl and Nora Jones’ album was always playing. I remember listening to you sing her version of Tom Waits’ Long Way Home in your beautiful voice, discovering you could really sing and knowing you would be traveling far one day too.

This morning I listened to both versions and thought about how much the world has changed in 25 years. Now you’re 21, getting ready to leave for Ireland, travel, and building your own magical life. I could not be more proud of you or excited for what’s ahead!

Happy 21st birthday Hannah!
I love you more than words 🤍 by @sourceandtradition

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a month ago

INSTAGRAM SALE!!!
Day 2 and 3

Every year as we head into fall one of the things I’m asked for most is white dinnerware.

Today 9/10 and Friday 9/11 my sale will focus on white dishes and platters, along with a few bronze and cream crackle bowls and a few small bright pops of color. I will be sharing a mix of ready-to-shop discounted whites, sample botanical platters and for 2 days only, 30% off custom made to order white dishware.

If you’ve been wanting to add to an existing collection, replace a few pieces, or order new dishes and bowls in time for Thanksgiving this is the window to do it!

Ready-to-shop white dishes, platters + samples will begin appearing in Stories today at 2pm with additional pieces dropping again Friday at 2pm.

To maintain kiln space for both retail orders and exciting wholesale collaborations coming up this fall, I’m putting a firm cap on custom white dinnerware orders! Orders close Friday at midnight!!! No exceptions!

Simply DM me or email orders@sourceandtradition.com with the pieces and quantities you would like.

Saturday will be a new and entirely different sale offering

Fun side note: I have always loved Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum and Keith Reid compared writing the song to shaping a pot of clay

All photos @christinalilly who is a saint for photographing my white on white for the past decade by @sourceandtradition

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a month ago

INSTAGRAM SALE!!!

For the past several years Labor Day has meant my annual seconds, samples + custom order sale.

This year I’m doing things a little differently so that those of you who follow along from afar can shop too.

Beginning today I’ll be offering Studio Sales with a different theme each day.

I’m starting off easy while I make sure everything runs smoothly then I’ll add more as the week goes on.

DAY 1: BOWLS + PLATTERS

Available pieces will begin posting to my Stories at 2 PM each day.

Each piece will be numbered and priced. To purchase, simply DM me the number of the piece you’d like to claim, and I’ll send a payment link through your preferred app Venmo, Zelle or Square for credit card payment.

Shipping or local delivery is included.

Pieces are first come, first served, and many are one of a kind.

Some will be seconds, some samples, some one-of-a-kind pieces, and other studio finds that don’t normally make it online.

Photos: @christinalilly
Yellow Bowl sold to a favorite customer a few years back by @sourceandtradition

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a month ago

Happy 60th birthday to my silver fox! @shaynedawg

You have filled my life with more love, laughter, art, passion, music and surf than I ever could have imagined. You are magnetic, wildly talented, deeply loyal, truly one of a kind and somehow still as handsome as ever! You make life feel bigger, brighter, and more alive. Thank you for the love you give so freely, for the art you bring into the world, for your epic bottom turns and your beautiful heart.

Happy birthday babe. I love you always!
#howsyourbottomturn #shaynedawg by @sourceandtradition

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a month ago

Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach @kbshowhouse is featuring a stunning interior by @colleenrosardesigns “Where Plans Get Cancelled” I am honored she chose to include my Porcelain Show Plates!

Some objects are designed to live in one place. These live in two. Installed on the walls at Kips Bay as art and used on the tables at Jean-Georges Restaurant in New York.

Functional art formed in thin porcelain, each piece is finished with a hand-applied gold rim. The pink glaze blooms naturally in the kiln and no two are identical.

I have always strived to create work that lives between categories where the wall becomes intimate and the table becomes a gallery. A limited number are available through my website and in our Charleston shop. Handmade in my coastal New Jersey studio.

#sourceandtradition #kipsbayshowhouse #porcelainart
Photo credit: images 1-4 @sargentphoto images 5-8 @christinalilly images 9-11 @jean_georgesnyc by @sourceandtradition

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8 months ago