Juliette Vivien

Ceramicist

©Alex Gallosi

Playing with scale

Juliette uses unique crystal glazes
Her work combines miniature and full scale
She has been passionate about ceramics from a young age

Juliette Vivien embarked on her journey into ceramics at the age of five, following in the footsteps of her ceramicist grandfather. She then studied at the École Supérieure Duperré, the renowned School of Applied Arts in Paris, where she discovered crystal glazes, which became one of the signature aspects of her work. Juliette’s other specialisation is the playfulness in which she experiments with scale – representing some objects in miniature scale where others are not. This leads to interesting pieces such as combining a miniature teapot on the handle of a full-size cup – with incredible finesse and giving a whimsical feel. All of her pieces are wheel-thrown, even the miniatures. The crystallisation technique only reveals its magic during firing, ensuring that every single one of her pieces is unique.

Interview

©Alex Gallosi

©Alex Gallosi

What attracts you to the miniature scale?: I love the elusiveness and dreaminess of miniatures. I am fascinated by the reactions that miniatures provoke in the spectators: they summon both a universal imagination, but also very personal emotions in everyone. They undeniably attract us but we are afraid to touch them and destroy them just by getting close.
What does well made mean to you?: To not be satisfied with mediocrity. But having that need to take the time and focus to create a piece as close to perfection and as it can be – in every detail.
What has been the favourite moment in your professional life?: I remember the first exhibition I was a part of, seeing and talking to people I didn’t know before about my work felt incredibly empowering. Being able to showcase my craft and getting feedback from people who appreciate and cherish my work is a very rewarding feeling.
Can you describe something about your work that people don’t know?: How time consuming it can be! I often spend a whole day working on one piece in order to get the details clean. However, part of the trickery is making it look simple and effortless. The crystal glaze is also particularly tricky to work with in order to get the result I want.

Juliette Vivien is a master artisan: she began her career in 2015 and she started teaching in 2018