My Ceramics Journey
It all started with a gift...
In the summer of 2021, my grandmother gave me a ceramics kiln and all of her old supplies. She had kept all of her materials in pristine condition, so that they could still be used as intended 30 years later. I will be forever grateful for this great gift, and the ability to practice with ceramics at my parents house.
After receiving the kiln, bisqueware, glazes and brushes, I spent the first months organizing all my newly gained materials. I researched how the oven is supposed to work online, and tried to fire my first pieces of pottery. A s a test, I made a set of seven egg cups and I painted readymade bisqueware that I received from my grandmother. After being disappointed by the results, I made glaze test tiles in the shape of water droplets.
Glaze testing
Success and Failure
My first handcrafted objects came out of the kiln with mixed results...
Cookie jar, February 2022
Inspired by my love for daisies, I made this cookie jar. The base is coiled, the lid and decoration coiled and sculpted respectively. Finished with underglazes from my grandmother and glossy glaze from Mayco.
More practice...
Between 2022 and 2024, I practiced a lot with my ceramics... I used techniques as: slipcasting, wheelthrowing, handbuilding, coiling, pinchbowls, nerikomi, and slab building.
Ceramic Jewelry
I started making charms from leftover colored slip (liquid clay). Eventually, ceramic jewelry would become one of my fondest crafts.
Ode to the Embrace
As we all have felt during the last few years, physical connection cannot be taken for granted. Simply embracing your loved ones can suddenly change into a fuzzy memory. Unable to actually share my love like I used to, I thought of ways to show warmth. Ceramics felt like the perfect medium to embody the fragility and beauty of feeling truly loved.
Ode aan de Omhelzing
“Ruim een jaar geleden begon ik aan een zoektocht naar warmte in een zeer afstandelijke wereld. Ik merkte hoezeer ik fysiek contact miste in de corona-tijd en vroeg me af of er een andere manier was om mijn liefde te delen. Hieruit ontstond ‘Ode aan de Omhelzing’.
De collectie bestaat voornamelijk uit keramiek, en toont een hoopvolle kant van eenzaamheid.”
Large Embrace Vessels
The embrace shape created for FormX, was 3D printed and covered in Plaster to create a large mold for ceramics.
Stay or Go vase - 2023
Large ceramic vase (approx. 40 centimeters), press molded and decorated by hand.
Watch me make this vase:
Planter vessel - 2023
Large ceramic planter (approx. 25 centimeters), press molded and decorated by hand.
Moonlight lamp - 2023
Large ceramic lamp (approx. 40 centimeters), press molded, carved and decorated by hand.
