All Begins with an Idea

All begins with an idea
The idea builds a shape
The shape results in a design

All beautiful things in live start with a good idea. Inspired by examples or the absence of such, I start to sketch my idea. Very often solely to not forget what came to my mind. Remarkably, these sketches already have many elements included, that are responsible for the later beauty and uniqueness of the new objects.The second step is now, to convert the sketched idea to a realizable form. It is important to know the technical possibilities as well as the properties of the planned materials to create a form, that can later be physically realized by the artisan. Naturally, the mechanical skills also influence this process. For example, if a potter does not work on a potter´s wheel, thrown shapes with a strict symmetry will not be considered. The later shape does also significantly depend on the planned functional usage of the product. It is important to know, what the fundamental roles and requirements of the planned object are. A tea pot may -beyond others- not drip, may not overflow when water is poured in or out and the lid must be easily accessible but also sit tight on the gallery.

As soon as the shape is defined, it is time for the final design. Now I must select the right clay body, that enables not only the right shape and usage but also creates the best surface and feel to make the ceramic later inimitably.

In my opinion it is very important to make best use of the many degrees of freedom that are available in pottery. The combination of material, shape, surface, firing technique, designated usage and the way of creation allow many possibilities, that result easily in an overload -kitsch- or in an everyday product. I always follow the principle of WabiSabi, the “beauty of simplicity”, that is a result of reduction to the essential whilst simultaneously focusing on the specific beauty of each involved element.