Michael Eden

Ceramicist

©Image courtesy of Adrian Sassoon, London. Photography by Sylvain Deleu

Historical and digital intertwined

Michael works at the intersection of craft, art and digital innovation
He uses 3D design and printing to reinterpret historical objects
He is a graduate of the Royal College of Art in London

Michael Eden’s objects are suited for the digital world. The artisan uses his vast experience in traditional pottery and combines this with novel techniques like 3D printing, computer-aided design software, and scanning to push the limits of how we see ceramics. A native of the city of Blackburn, Michael undertook an MPhil at the Royal College of Art in London in 2006. His path in pottery started earlier, in 1981, when he started working at the ceramic studio of his wife Victoria Eden. But the digital medium captivated Michael and he decided to embrace technology and make it a part of his artistic method. "I see myself as a creator of unique artworks that incorporate cultural references," explains Michael. Today his objects are exhibited worldwide and can be found in many art collections.

Interview

What training did you receive?: I was introduced to ceramics at school, and then at college whilst studying Industrial Design. In later years I returned to college to undertake a Masters in Philosophy research project at the Royal College of Art. I also learned the ceramic craft from my wife, Victoria.
What is your experience with traditional ceramics?: I joined my wife’s ceramic studio in 1981 part-time, then became a full-time member of the team in 1984. We made contemporary slip-decorated earthenware, inspired by traditional European slipware, but reinterpreted. I enjoyed the immediacy of working with clay.
Do you master any specific techniques?: Initially, I had a range of traditional skills: throwing, slip decoration, glaze making, wood firing, etc. Since 2008, on leaving the RCA, the use of CAD software, scanning, and 3D printing became a focus for me, along with decorative techniques, such as application of gold leaf and developing patinas.
What would you suggest to young people who wish to follow a similar path?: Though a great deal of time will be required to learn to use CAD software programmes, it is equally important to learn about manual processes in order to understand materials and the three-dimensional form. There are always challenges and things to learn.

Michael Eden is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1981