Ana Torkar Kus

Studio Kuskus

Ceramicist

©Studio Kuskus

Minimalist forms

Ana believes that the essence of design lies in usability
Among her products some really stand out, such as a toilet brush holder
She is most fond of the free form hand building techniques

Ana Torkar Kus is the name behind KUSKUS, a Slovenian pottery brand that offers a wide range of unique clay products which you will not find elsewhere – such as toilet brush holders, toothbrush holders or even a painting palette. She believes that the essence of design lies in usability, which is why she always asks herself whether she would use the product she is about to design. Clay attracted her from as early as primary school, but it was during her student years that she realized she wanted to dedicate her whole life to it. A key turning point in her career was 10 years ago, when she bought her first pottery kiln. When she moved to the outskirts of Ljubljana, the possibility of owning a studio and conducting workshops also opened up.

Interview

©Studio Kuskus

©Studio Kuskus

Did you learn from a master?: My knowledge is mainly the result of experimenting. Luckily, we live in the digital era with a huge amount of knowledge at our fingertips, some of the world's greatest masters of ceramics share their knowledge online. Certainly, the trainings with Slovenian masters also left their mark.
Do you master any specific techniques?: The free form hand building technique, which results in organic shapes. This technique is extremely relaxing and, in a way, similar to meditation, with each product being completely unique in the end.
What are your sources of inspiration?: Primarily nature, which inspires me in my search for colour palettes and organic forms. The objects that surround me in my daily life are also a source of inspiration. Time and time again, I ask myself, whether I could replace an industrially made object with a unique ceramic item.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: I try to recreate traditional pottery from times gone by, but in my own style and in a way that finds its place in a modern era as well. In doing so, I want to combine minimalism with the organic forms and colours of nature.

Ana Torkar Kus is a master artisan: she began her career in 2000 and she started teaching in 2018