Ole Morten Rokvam

Ceramicist

©Johanne Nyborg

©Rune Nylund Larsen

Reflections about the past, present and future

Ole makes ceramic sculptures, often inspired by the teapot form
He also builds kilns and specialises in wood firing for ceramics
In 2024, he was a welcoming master in the second edition of the Homo Faber Fellowship programme

Ole Morten Rokvam tirelessly pushes the boundaries of sculpting with clay. He first studied economics in the USA and travelled the world extensively, discovering woodwork as he went. His university in the USA only had a vacancy for a ceramics course, but Ole enrolled nonetheless. “The first day I touched clay, my eyes sparkled.” he remembers. Years later, as a successful ceramicist, he established himself in his native Norway. Ole’s long list of exhibitions, awards, public and private commissioned works are testimonies to his creativity. He is a member of the prestigious International Academy of Ceramics. Today he inspires with his intellectual sculptural pieces, and with building bespoke kilns. Ole was selected to take part in Homo Faber Fellowship 2024-25, and after training an apprentice with him for half a year, his message is clear: “Beyond mastering techniques, finding your voice requires hard work but also a sense of humour.”

Interview

©Johanne Nyborg

©Johanne Nyborg

What is your experience in China and its rich teapot heritage?: I first visited China when I was invited to the third edition of the International Woodfire Congress in Yixing, a city where 50,000 people create traditional teapots. It is a kind of teapot heaven. All teapots require a body, handle, spout and lid, but around that, creativity is endless.
How do you achieve the industrial aesthetic of your pieces?: Industrial and architectural processes interest me a lot. I use techniques like slip casting to create shapes, and very high firing temperatures. Using Shino liner glazes in the inside of my works affects the outer clay body, creating rust-like effects, which I enhance with added materials I find, such as metal or rubber.
Is it important to you that your pieces trigger reflection?: Yes, this stems from my analytical training as an economist. I used to pass by industrial areas of southside Chicago where abandoned steel mills stand as historical monuments of our industrial growth and changing society. I believe questioning our humanity is important for our future.
What are your specialisms?: I specialise in wood firing and kiln building because they create the surprise element for ceramicists, which can be both exciting and daunting. I have built over 70 kilns around the world. I love the demanding technicality of kilns, preparing the wood, keeping it burning continuously, the deep concentration and rhythm of the work.

Ole Morten Rokvam is a master artisan: he began his career in 1995 and he started teaching in 1996