Fashion and nature are major sources of inspiration to me. I am also very inspired by and interested in our craft heritage, in Sweden called “slöjd”: the colours, techniques and the feeling of beauty and functionality in one.
I usually start designing by making collages from collected pictures, drawings and text. The sketchbook of collages visualizes relationships in shapes and colours and influences the design, it is a source to return to through the whole process to finished product.
Turning a "mint" cup.
The connection between the initial collage and the finished product is sometimes stronger than others. Transforming ideas and inspirations into an object is an intuitive process, it has to feel right on paper as well as in my hands.
Seeing an object for the first time in its three dimensional form and holding it in my hand can be very different from what I imagined when drawing it on paper. Even more so when several objects are supposed to fit together in a set. It can take many times on the throwing wheel and by the drawing table before they all work in harmony.
It is the interactive qualities of throwing that attracts me most about the technique, an emphasis on using my senses to get the right shape; to see when a line is right and to feel it in my hands. To follow my instincts and be able to do an immediate change when developing a form.
When working with a form, I aim at a timeless and lasting shape, trying to find a harmonious line. I always want a fine finishing of the object so as to make it pleasant to hold and touch. The surface design is spontaneous. I use enamel transfers to decorate my work. The application of transfer onto form depends on each individual piece. The patterns are used imaginatively, allowing me to play with scale and placement of image onto form.
A potter's tools.