London

Katja Seiler

Ceramic decorator | Hanover, Germany

For a delicate watercolour finish

Katja specialises in under-glaze painting on stoneware
Painting brings her a sense of inner peace and introspection
Her favourite motifs are plants in all their forms

Katja Seiler is a ceramic artist specialised in under-glaze painting. Since establishing her private studio in 2018, Katja has been on an artistic journey of exploration and refinement, aiming to infuse her drawings on high-fired ceramics with the delicate watercolour elegance of low-fired pieces. "Currently, I am experimenting with incorporating various colours into this technique," she explains. Using slab-built stoneware pieces as her canvas, Katja creates a diverse range of items, from very large bowls and platters to smaller objects such as egg cups, vases, or unique soap dishes. With an unwavering dedication to capturing the essence of nature, and particularly the delicate beauty of flora, she meticulously decorates every one of her creations with great talent.

Interview

When and how did you actually start?: It all started for me with a four-day workshop on coiling and engobe painting, gifted to me by my mother. I was immediately captivated by the world that unfolded before me, and by the end, it was clear that I absolutely had to continue on this path. Yet, at that moment, I had never envisaged such a profound shift in my career path.
How did you proceed from there?: Initially I worked exclusively with engobe on low-fired earthenware. I continued to develop my skills and reached a point where I could and wanted to sell my work. However, since earthenware is not necessarily suitable for household use, I had to switch to high-fired stoneware. This change altered the entire aesthetic of my engobe painting, leading to extensive experimentation on my part.
Did you learn with the support of a master?: I do not typically seek out others and inquire about their experiences. Instead, I purchased my own kiln and began experimenting with various pigments. Utilising special shades, I discovered methods to attain depth in the paintings through firing. Since then I have continued to explore a variety of colour tones.
What aspects of your craft bring you the greatest joy?: I keep noticing that I feel genuinely euphoric when I am in the process of creating a new piece of work. My studio is at my home, and when I am working on larger pieces that take more time to complete, I catch myself frequently glancing at them throughout the day and feeling a deep sense of joy each time.

Katja Seiler is a rising star: she began her career in 2018