Helene Søs Schjødts

Ceramicist

©Kirstine Mengel

©Torben Villumsen

Perfectly imperfect

Helene never ceases to be amazed by nature
Imperfections are her way of making every product unique
She loves to experiment with shapes, materials, textures and glazes

Helene Søs Schjødts is a ceramicist who works primarily in porcelain and silk print technique – both in her tableware series and one-off pieces. She took her degree at the Royal Danish Academy in Bornholm in 2010 where she went on to set up a shop on the island immediately after graduation. In 2016, she moved back to Copenhagen where she is still based. Nature plays an integral part as a source of inspiration. Leaves as motifs or the colours of autumn find their way into the studio and become part of her series. The decorations lend their shapes to botanical or graphic inspiration, and the ceramicist explores new possibilities through photography and paper sketches. She incorporates minor imperfections in her objects because they add character and uniqueness to each product, witnessing the handmade process.

Interview

©Kirstine Mengel

©Kirstine Mengel

When did you know that you wanted to become a ceramicist?: When I was 18, I went on a one-year preparation school, where most of my time was spent in the clay workshop and with the local potter. Working with clay, I felt my curiosity rise because I could indulge in endless shape and glaze experiments.
Why is nature an ongoing source of inspiration?: Nature never ceases to amaze. Change is the constant of nature as the seasons shift. Wherever you are in the world, nature is different. I discover new flowers and leaves that I use as motifs. Even though I live in a big city, I often seek peaceful surroundings at the weekends and during holidays to find peace, quiet and inspiration.
Why are you fascinated with functional objects?: Functional, handmade and beautiful objects create joy in everyday life. I love to pass that trinity on to others. It is satisfying to bring other people a tiny portion of spiritual feeding and aesthetic into their homes.
Why is the handmade expression important?: People must see and know that the products are not produced by machine, but by hand in my studio and therefore not wholly alike. The handmade dimension adds character and personality to each product, and I am convinced you feel it when the products are in use.

Helene Søs Schjødts is a master artisan: she began her career in 1998 and she started teaching in 2010