London

Olivia Mortier

Ceramicist | Braine-le-Comte, Belgium

Avian ceramics with soul

Olivia works with traditional skills that she updates and passes forward
She sculpts with freedom, which gives her objects a soul
She was head of the Keramis studio in La Louvière from 2018 to 2022

Olivia Mortier combines her background in scenography, visual and spatial art with sculpting to create 3D zoomorphic and naturalistic ceramic pieces. "Without limits, I weave heritage links with the skills of the past, which I modernise and pass on," she says. Olivia's know-how is the result of observing her peers and teachers. It has led her to develop a singular universe, rich in technical research and identity, which gives her the means to innovate. Today, she works out of the studio she opened in 2024, moulding, wood-firing, glazing, coiling and decorating her sculptural objects. "I sculpt with institutively, which is a state of mind that allows me to give sincere meaning to my works," she explains. Olivia was the recipient of the 2023 BeCraft Research Grant.

Interview

How do you explain your 'contemporary tapestry' metaphor?: I borrow from the tradition of my region to create what I call tapestries, made up of ceramic elements, both functional and sculptural. I like to play a part in keeping the tradition alive by updating and passing on what I have learned.
Why did you choose to sculpt with ceramics?: Human encounters are my driving force. As head of the Keramis studio from 2018 to 2022, my perception of the material changed fundamentally through people I met. I am mainly influenced by artist Françoise Pétrovitch, for whom I was working as an assistant.
Do your collections expand with time?: I love challenges, especially technical ones, which is why I try things that seem impossible! I stick to one theme for a year or two before embarking on a new line of research.
What is your signature approach in sculpting?: For me, a piece is not complete unless it has soul. I am able to freely express my creativity, and I am able to give meaning with great sincerity. My work stays on the shelves for a long time before being shown. It is part of my process.

Olivia Mortier is a rising star: she began her career in 2020 and she started teaching in 2020