Margherita Pozzali
Ceramicist
Gustavsberg, Sweden
Whimsical characters in coiled clay
- Margherita's eccentric creations bring together clay and unconventional materials
- The coiling technique is her favourite working method
- Her designs are influenced by the non-minimalist aspect of Swedish craftsmanship
Margherita Pozzali gradually shifted from design to contemporary ceramics to pursue handcraft. “I missed working with my hands so much during my studies,” Margherita explains. After earning a degree in fashion design from the Politecnico di Milano and a master’s degree in jewellery at Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design, she discovered ceramics and fell in love almost instantly. Today, she experiments with different techniques and combines contrasting materials in her clay creations. Much like humans, each of Margherita's vessels has physical features that reveal a unique story and personality in a mix of humour and fragility, such as mugs with odd handles to evoke shyness. "People who see or use my works have to figure out how to connect with each piece," she explains.
INTERVIEW
My pieces sit between decorative art and functional everyday objects. While functionality is not my primary goal, I love the idea of them being used in some way, even if that interaction feels a bit awkward. I hope my work provokes reflection and discussion among those who interact with it.
I love the ancient technique of coiling, which involves hand rolling long cylindrical ropes of clay and stacking them to build a form. I enjoy it because the process is slow and meditative. At times, the material takes over and my creativity simply follows.
I use ceramics for the main body of the object, then I integrate any inspiring materials whether natural or synthetic. Past pieces have included metal, stone, bone, salt dough, sand, ashes, bread, beads and even children's modelling compound. The more unusual the material, the more intriguing the result.
Rather than the worldwide stereotype of minimalist design, I am far more influenced by contemporary Swedish craftsmanship, which is quite the opposite. It is maximalist, expressive and much crazier. It blurs the line between design and art, which is why I find it so intriguing.
Margherita Pozzali
Ceramicist
Gustavsberg, Sweden
ADDRESS
Address upon request, Gustavsberg, Sweden
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
LANGUAGES
Italian, English, Swedish
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