When I teamed up with Swedish ceramic artist Beatrice Pedersen, I was inspired by her way of distilling visual ideas down to their essence.
We met in 2019 and collaborated on a plate project, where she made ceramic plates and I etched on them. They are all white and the etched line gives the plate structure and a fine detail.
Beatrice has always been fascinated by ceramics, in the early years when she studied ceramics for three years in Landshut and later when she worked with various ceramics teachers in Berkley, Munich and the USA. She loves the craft and this shows in her different glazes, textures and how she works in series. She will be showing her current work and the decorative plates from our collaboration with IRMASWORLD during our IRMAS X-Mas Market on the 6th and 7th of December at the Rosewood Munich.
IRMA: What is the essence of your work?
BEATRICE PEDERSEN: Everything I create is handmade. I mainly construct my objects, and the techniques I use, such as pressing coils or indentations with my fingers, give them their distinctive look. I can’t rely on help because everyone would leave their own mark, which would be different from mine.
IRMA: Where do you get your inspiration from?
BEATRICE PEDERSEN: I draw inspiration from many sources, including nature and architecture. I’m particularly fascinated by imperfections and organic shapes, as they give character and soul to a piece. My ideas are not always structured; they often come to me during the process of working with the material itself.
IRMA: What is a typical working day like?
BEATRICE PEDERSEN: My process is very much about learning by doing. I experiment a lot, but often things don’t turn out as planned or don’t work at all. The second firing is the last step in the process, but it is also the most important.
IRMA: Do you have an area that inspires you a lot?
BEATRICE PEDERSEN: I have a deep love for crafts and handmade objects, whether they are made of textiles, leather, wood or ceramics. I admire the unique look and the time and care that people put into their creations. These objects are not only beautiful, but also carry an emotional significance.
IRMA: Where would you ideally like to be?
BEATRICE PEDERSEN: I can see my ceramics in different places. If it’s in someone’s home or in a cleaner environment like a hotel or a showroom. It depends on the size and the expression.
IRMA: Does ceramic art influence your life?
BEATRICE PEDERSEN: Yes, absolutely. I don’t own a single piece of industrially made ceramics. Everything in my home, either made by others or by me, is handmade. Drinking tea from a well-crafted mug beats any industrial cup, no matter how good it looks, because industrial products lack soul and sensitivity.