Summary

I aim to acheive a beautiful and rich minimalism in all my work - both in the forms I make, and in my way of making.

I love the idea that the secret of a contented and fulfilling life is in making every moment special - in taking care in every moment, enjoying every action and seeing beauty in the things around you.

So I'm really driven to create objects which are essential and useful - not fussy - but still contain a lot of expression and offer a rich experience for the beholder.

My wheel thrown vessels are all very practical but at the same time completely individual and organic, the surfaces of my glazes and clays are all hard wearing and functional but also a pleasure to touch and hold.

Organisation

anou

Inspiration/Method

I am really inspired by the simplicity and ingenuity of Danish design in my work and I try to adopt the same thinking in my work. As a result my tea and coffee cups don't have handles - they are also beautiful small bowls - but I have made them with a thicker wall to insulate the heat and are curved shape perfect to hold in the hands.

I am also inspired by the ideas of Japanese wabi sabi and the idea of seeing the beauty in the 'imperfect', cherishing the simple and seeing the interconnected nature of everything. The organic shapes and imperfections of my bowls come from the moment I take the bowl from the wheel. The underlying/base forms I create take into consideration both how they will be held and used as well as the elegance and energy found in natural forms - things like seed pods, sea shells and fungi.

Design Challenge

I think my real challenge both for the aesthetics of my work but also for their usability is in constantly finding the balance between something being organic, different and special yet at the same time be something everyday, easy and stackable!