At the turn of the year I usually gather my thoughts from the year that’s passed and turn my attention to what’s coming. Much of my time recently has gone into the tableware for Myran in Malmö and into my work with KeramikAkademin. Now the next phase begins, where planning for spring’s firings takes up more space.
Ahead of spring I go through test pieces, glaze tests and notes from earlier firings. I look at which clays I want to work with and how I want the firing to affect surfaces and expression. In parallel I’m sketching a new collection meant to go into the next wood firing. It partly builds on collections I’m already working with, but also includes new elements I want to try in wood-fired ware.
This period consists largely of sketches, models and planning. I’m working to find a clear collection of forms that work together, both on the shelf and in the kiln. Wood firing requires preparation and forethought. By the time it’s ready to pack the kiln, I want every piece to have a clear role, in form, glaze and placement.
Right now the gallery isn’t open. I don’t take visits by appointment, letting the studio be a workplace over the winter instead. The plan is to open the gallery in time for the Easter art walk in Österlen.
I’m looking forward to letting winter’s sketches meet the fire during spring’s wood firings. When the new collection starts to feel finished, I’ll show more here on the site and in the shop.