Porcelain poetry from microscopic forms
- Erum handcrafts detailed porcelain sculptures
- She is inspired by microscopic plant forms
- She uses only very few tools, preferring to work solely with her fingers and hands
Erum Aamir is a Manchester-based ceramic artist who transforms porcelain into sculptures that unveil nature's hidden marvels. With a physics background and access to historical archives of microscopic slides of botany specimen at the Manchester Museum, Erum bridges art and science, celebrating the exquisite architecture of botanical minutiae. Her patient, precise process coaxes clay into delicate forms of our natural world. Each unique piece is born from a meditative, repetitive process that allows for ideas to evolve organically. Through her work, Erum challenges us to pause and connect with the intricate, unseen wonders surrounding us, offering a fresh perspective on the familiar through her imaginative lens.
Interview
- What defines your creative style?
- I like to work purely with my hands without any use of technology or too many tools. There is always a repetition of a single or multiple elements in my work which mimics the growth process. I would say that as a result, my style is very organic.
- What inspired you to do what you do?
- I am inspired by the intricate beauty of nature at a microscopic level, capturing the delicate patterns and structures of plants in porcelain. The blend of science and art drives me to transform these unseen details into tangible, expressive sculptures.
- How would you describe a perfect workday for you?
- A perfect workday for me involves immersing myself in the delicate process of sculpting, meticulously translating microscopic plant details into porcelain. It includes moments of focused creativity, experimentation, and satisfaction in seeing my vision come to life.
- What is the most important aptitude needed to do what you do?
- The most important aptitude in my field is patience. This involves not only the careful, methodical process of shaping and refining the clay, but also the understanding that mistakes can happen. Learning from them is key to mastering the craft.
Erum Aamir is a rising star: she began her career in 2019 and she started teaching in 2023
Works
Where
Erum Aamir
