Annick Berclaz

A stamp of science

• Annick is an established ceramic artist
• She mixes crafts, design and arts
• Her work is inspired by micro organisms

Artistic as well as practical, Annick Berclaz’s work ranges from vases to sculptures. Her pieces have a unique look, inspired by micro organisms, pollens and hydrozoans, which comes across in the shapes, dots and colours she produces. Her pieces always stem from conceptual and bright ideas that she wants to bring to life, in her recognisable style. An established artist and craftswoman, Annick was selected in 1998 to create a vast installation of dozens of ceramic sculptures for the Musée Ariana in Geneva, a museum devoted to ceramics and glass. She conceptualised and executed the installation herself as an original. One of the items from that installation is now exhibited in the Mudac, the Swiss Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts in Lausanne.

Interview

©Daniel Calabrese

©Daniel Calabrese

How did you get into ceramics?

I have always been fascinated by materials, clay and moulding, which is why I naturally turned to ceramics. I studied formally at the Ecole des Arts décoratifs before opening my own workshop. I remember that the very first object I made was a vase.

How would you describe your creations?

I would describe my creative style as being contemporary, inventive and joyful. I feel very inspired by micro organisms, pollens and other hydrozoans, which is reflected in my work. I am always looking for the best ways to put my ideas into shape.

What is important to you in your work?

When I make a piece, I am very careful about the different materials I use so that they fuse together harmoniously during the final step of creation, the firing. I particularly look for translucency in my pieces, especially in my lighting fixtures.

Do you sense interest for your craft?

I feel there is a renewal of people’s interest in ceramics, admiring as well as creating. Although it can be a hard craft, demanding lots of work and a strong investment, the joy it brings is unmatched in my life. I invite anyone interested to try it out!

Annick Berclaz is a master artisan: she began her career in 1982 and she started teaching in 1991

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