Ida Netterberg

Ceramicist

©Ida Netterberg

Shaping ideas with bare hands

Ida creates ceramic sculptures and objects loaded with symbolism
She is fascinated by the idea of shaping clay with her hands
Her pieces are influenced by the location they are exhibited in

Ida Netterberg's fascination with the creative process itself led her to become a ceramicist. Hooked by the possibility of shaping materials to her liking, she started her journey with a course in silversmithing. Then, Ida discovered clay and its endless potential, and decided she would study ceramics instead. “What I love about clay is that I can shape it with my bare hands, no tools required. There is no distance between me and the material, which creates a directness that I really enjoy,” she says. The other aspect of ceramics that Ida appreciates is its versatility. “You can easily spend a lifetime investigating ceramic techniques and still master just a small part of its world,” she says. And indeed, Ida's creations reflect this versatility, from her everyday objects to her one-of-a-kind sculptural pieces.

Interview

©Ida Netterberg

©Ida Netterberg

What common thread do your creations share?: My main research is on ornaments. Loaded with history, status, symbolism and spiritual references, ornaments offer me a timeless and wordless language to express myself on many themes, from politics to romance.
Is there a technique you prefer working with?: I use porcelain for most of my sculptures because the fired result is so special and expressive. I usually handcraft my pieces and use plaster forms for details. I also like to colour the clay body with a layer of glaze or engobe to prevent the details from disappearing.
Do colours play an important role in your craft?: A couple of years ago, I rarely used colours in my work. However, in my master’s project at the art academy, I decided to challenge myself and bring the whole rainbow into my palette. Since then, colour has been an important part of my practice, both as a symbolic language and as a method of expression.
Are you influenced by Swedish styles and designs?: I would not describe my style as Swedish because I work in opposition to minimalism, a typical Swedish concept. My creations are usually site specific, influenced by the architecture, surroundings and history of the place where they are exhibited.

Ida Netterberg is a rising star: she began her career in 2016