A second chance to shine
- Heidi collects discarded objects and gives them a new life
- Her aim is to explore the aesthetic potential of these objects
- She experiments with mixing ceramic glazes
Heidi Bjørgan is a specialist in experimenting with glazes and abstract objects. “I collect overlooked objects – a lamp, an old bread tin with an interesting shape or knickknacks of low value which have been discarded. I give these forms a second chance in a new guise, in a new context and sometimes I even add a new function.” In 1993 she started her training at the Bergen Academy of Art and Design, going on to study industrial design, glass and ceramics in Stockholm, before an MA in Creative Curating back in Bergen. “No matter how I work, I have learned from excellent teachers and also from other artists. I'm never afraid to experiment, and a mistake can often create the best result.”
Discover her work
INTERVIEW
My first assignment in ceramics was to make a sculpture of Life and Death by Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. To my surprise, I made the best copy of everyone in my class. It was the start of my journey into ceramics.
Norway does not have the pottery and porcelain history that other countries have. This means that during my education we were not bound to a tradition, and we had a freedom that made the direction more expressive than traditional. This made us look for sources of inspiration outside our area.
I am very inspired by the works of the eccentric American potter George Ohr (1857–1918), by Robert Wilson, the theatre director and visual artist, and Peter Greenaway, the British film director. And more in general by Norwegian nature, Art Nouveau arts and crafts, and Baroque craft.
Be yourself, never follow art trends. Never give up if you fail at your first attempt. Don't lose confidence when you get rejection after rejection. It doesn't mean you are not a good artist if you do not become famous – the most important thing is that your work makes you happy!
