Heidi Bjørgan

Ceramicist

©Cristina Schek

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.”

Interview

Do you remember the first ceramic object you created?: 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.
How is your craft linked to your region?: 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.
What are your main sources of inspiration?: 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.
What advice would you give to a young artisan starting out?: 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!

Heidi Bjørgan is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2000