Utility and beauty meet in ceramic simplicity
- Monica discovered ceramics after building a career in art direction
- Her minimalistic objects are created for daily use
- Nature and function guide her process
Monica Persdotter creates simple yet beautiful objects that are grounded in functionality and influenced by nature. Her work is an exploration of pure lines and natural textures, with an emphasis on creating pieces that feel just right in everyday use. Monica’s ceramics, often minimalist in design, are meant to blend seamlessly into the daily rituals of life, especially at the dining table. “I am originally trained in tailoring and fabric work – I spent many years working as an art director in Stockholm before a ceramics course introduced me to the beautiful world of clay,” she says. Over time, this newfound passion led her to leave her career in design behind and become a full-time ceramicist. Today, Monica works from her studio in Rörum, a picturesque village by the sea in southern Sweden.
Interview
- How did you get started in ceramics?
- I have always had a passion for craftsmanship but never saw it as a profession for me. I worked as an art director for 20 years, and everything changed in 2010 when I took a ceramics course with Calle Forsberg – I was hooked from the start. In 2011, I began working with ceramics part-time, before moving to Österlen to pursue it full-time in 2018.
- What inspires your creations?
- I aim to create simple, beautiful objects that enhance everyday life. I work primarily with stoneware because it is perfect for functional items. I want my designs to be pure and practical, with an inherent logic of use. My goal is having people think, “This is exactly how it should be,” when using my pieces.
- What is your approach to working with clay and glazes?
- I use a variety of techniques, such as wheel throwing, slab building and coiling. I love experimenting with different types of clay, from white to red to black, and seeing how they react to glazes. I prefer natural, muted colours. The texture is also important to me, and I like to play with irregularities that feel intentional.
- Is there a project that particularly excited you?
- One of the most exciting projects was working with Daniel Berlin Restaurant Vyn, a Michelin-starred restaurant nearby. I love the idea of creating something that becomes part of the dining experience. We designed plates to showcase food on, with a glazed centre surrounded by raw contour.
Monica Persdotter is a rising star: she began her career in 2022
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Monica Persdotter
