Join us for this 25 minute conversation with the lovely Anne Mette Hjortshøj, part 1 of 3. She talks about the benefits of living and working on the potter’s island of Bornholm in Denmark, a visit from the Queen, and the joys of being able to discover and use local clays and glaze materials in her work. She discusses how she chooses pots for a gallery show while maintaining artistic integrity and remaining focussed on making pots only for herself. She speaks of her lifelong love of Korean ceramics and her visits to the Mungyeong Teabowl Festival. And finally, she relates the joys of working with other potters, how to be a teacher, how to be a student, the importance of firing test pieces and, most importantly, never to judge pots when first opening the kiln. Enjoy!
inspiration
Inspire Me | Phil Rogers | Part 1
Phil Rogers imparts advice to new potters. He also talks about how he keeps things fresh for himself after so many years of potting. Rogers discusses different glazing and firing techniques and the kilns he has built; from gas, to salt to wood fired. He talks about the future of the wheel and throwing, being self-taught and collecting pots himself. Finally he discusses Shoji Hamada and his special relationship with the tea bowl or chawan.
In Conversation | Jean-Nicolas Gérard | Part 1
French slipware potter Jean-Nicolas Gérard talks about the inspiration he has drawn from local Provençal pottery and the countryside around his Valensole home. He speaks of the joy of making utilitarian ware to be used and enjoyed everyday, the influence of Japanese pottery, the decorative techniques that he employs and his need for spontaneity, focus and freedom when he is working.