Honouring the enduring roots of ceramics
- Aylin and Alp create ceramic objects with minimal forms and organic textures
- The duo has specialised in shape techniques and glaze formulations
- Their work is deeply informed by a respect for the history and endurance of ceramic art
Aylin Önen and Alp Ateş founded Black Mamba Ceramics in 2018 to create wheel-thrown and hand-shaped ceramic objects for everyday life. Inspired by the ceramics of Japan and the works of such artists as Lucie Rie, the duo have developed a specialism in working on the potter’s wheel and making their own glazes. Aylin and Alp derive great meaning and a sense of responsibility from working with a craft that has endured from antiquity to the present day. “One of the most important reasons we chose this craft is its liberating nature as a medium of expression,” they say. “Ceramics are made from a multilayered process, in which we can both physically shape and control surface effects through chemical processes. This versatility allows us to express ourselves freely, both technically and aesthetically.”
Interview
- How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?
- Because we work on a potter's wheel, we embrace traditional techniques in our production process. We are particularly inspired by East Asian ceramics and aim to reflect this in our works. Our innovation lies in form and glaze.
- How would you define what you do?
- We produce minimalist and modern forms on the wheel, focusing on meticulously applied ceramic techniques, seeking to find character and spirit in every form. We strive to combine functionality and artistic quality in designs that are worthy of ceramic culture.
- What do you love most about your profession?
- One of the things we love most about our profession is its openness to continuous improvement. Working on a lathe is a process that constantly enhances skills. This aspect provides a powerful motivation. Glaze making is our other most enjoyable pursuit, as developing glazes with unique colours and surface effects is quite exciting.
- What do you suggest to someone wanting to pursue your craft?
- Our advice is to seek training from masters or institutions. If this is not possible, watching videos shared by master ceramicists and practising regularly will do. Just like playing an instrument, ceramics require daily and consistent practice. We also advise not to become overly attached to their work during the learning phase. No matter how much effort is invested, work that is not sufficiently good should be eliminated. Finally, this craft is not just a profession, it also carries a deep culture and philosophy, and we encourage to work with this awareness.
Alp Ateş & Aylin Önen are rising stars: they began their career in 2018
Where
Alp Ateş & Aylin Önen
