Way of working

My approach to my ceramic work is artistic. I draw rich inspiration for the unique forms and surface variations of my pieces from both the living and non-living natural world. That is why my artworks are characterized by designs that are both fluid and angular, harmonious and bulky, elegant and archaic, lively and serene. The choice of clay type, manipulations during the production process, expressive imprints, and coloration lead to unique, sometimes narrative, and always expressive results.

Natural firings are always one-of-a-kind, as the combined effect of various factors—such as the finishing agents I use, the fuel, the placement of the objects in the open fire, the smoke development, as well as air temperature, humidity, wind, and weather—always produces unique results.

My porcelain works combine the elegant coolness of this noble material with the power of my inexhaustible imagination, surprising the viewer with unexpected visual and tactile experiences.

I remove glazed works from conventional perception by refining their design right up until just before firing. I do not often work with glazes, as they tend to obscure or cover the original texture and feel of the clay, thereby concealing the material’s character from immediate view—a quality that some perceive as a drawback in certain ceramic works.

I create expressive ceramics primarily for biennials and international art competitions. I find the process of engaging with a given theme particularly appealing. The way this channels my imagination further fuels my enthusiasm for experimentation.

I create wall pieces, so-called “murals,” exclusively with my international ceramics group Diagonal11 during symposia that I organize and conduct in suitable ceramics studios worldwide. Sometimes, instead of wall pieces, we create other collaborative architectural pieces if this aligns with the wishes of our respective host. 

In addition, I work intensively on the realization of projects for which I gain inspiration during study trips and which complement my solo creations. In doing so, I like to incorporate other forms of artistic expression such as assemblages and installations, as well as other genres of visual art such as woodworking and photography. At the centre of my artistic thinking and practice, however, is ceramics.