Jacqueline Harberink

JHA Porcelain

Ceramicist

©JHA Porcelain

Ceramics with a modern twist

Jacqueline was a lawyer before turning to ceramics
She modernises techniques garnered from Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy
Her work unites tactility, minimalism and elegance

"As a lawyer, you mainly work with your head. However, I was missing a sense of passion," says Dutch artist and ceramicist Jacqueline Harberink. She rediscovered her passion by first attending an evening course in ceramics in Milan, then slowly building up her knowledge by enrolling in further courses in Escuela de Ceramica de Moncloa, Madrid. She deepened her skills by attending specific workshops, learning from Luca Tripaldi and Martha Pachon Rodriguez. Her obsession with difficult techniques is clearly reflected in her use of the laborious 14th century Chinese rice grain technique and the shellac technique. She hones her style with hints of the Amsterdamse School aesthetic and natural organic forms, while adding a modern twist.

Interview

©JHA Porcelain

©JHA Porcelain

Do you remember your early years in this craft?: One of my best friends asked for espresso cups for her birthday. They still remind me of my very first days. Then in 2013, I received my first potter’s wheel and kiln, which is the same year I started my own workshop. I still remember the frustration and satisfaction that came with the countless errors I made.
What techniques do you master?: I was inspired by a work by an Austrian ceramicist, Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg, based on the 14th century Chinese rice grain technique. I was fascinated and wanted to master it. But I put my own twist on it – the original technique requires glazing both sides of the object to seal the carved holes, but I glaze only the inside.
Has there been a special moment in your career?: In 2016 I received my first order for a full tableware line for a fine dining restaurant in Amsterdam. This restaurant is very passionate about creating colour synergy between the food and the porcelain, and I have still the pleasure of collaborating with them every year when they change their menu.
How has your work been received internationally?: In January 2018 I designed a chandelier in porcelain which was exhibited during the Salone del Mobile in Milan. I used my rice grain technique to make several translucent porcelain lampshades to create the right light effect. It was later showcased at London Design Week and Dutch Design Week.

Jacqueline Harberink is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2013 and she started teaching in 2021