I don't like to design single objects. I like my pieces to have a relationship to each other. They can be mother and child, like the Schmoo salt and pepper shakers, or brother and sister like the Birdie salt and peppers, or cousins, like most of my dinnerware sets.

In this quote, Eva Zeisel expresses her preference for designing objects that are part of a larger, interconnected family or set, rather than creating single objects in isolation. She believes that each piece should have a relationship with the others, as this creates a more cohesive and meaningful design. Zeisel's approach reflects her belief that design is not just about individual objects, but about how those objects work together within a larger context, enhancing the overall experience.

Zeisel uses examples like the Schmoo salt and pepper shakers, which she describes as having a mother and child dynamic, and the Birdie salt and pepper shakers, which are like brother and sister. These descriptions highlight the idea of familial relationships within her designs, where each item is uniquely shaped yet clearly connected to its counterparts. For Zeisel, the interaction between the pieces adds an emotional and functional dimension that elevates the design.

By referring to her dinnerware sets as being like cousins, Zeisel expands on this concept, suggesting that even objects with subtle differences can still be part of the same design family. The connection between the pieces doesn't need to be exact but should still feel harmonious and related. This perspective reflects a holistic approach to design, where each object contributes to the larger narrative and function of the set.

Ultimately, Zeisel’s statement underscores her philosophy that design should be relational, with objects complementing and enhancing each other. Rather than seeing design as a series of isolated items, she views it as a unified whole, where the relationship between pieces is just as important as their individual form and function.