Philippe Barde

Atelier Ilôt 13

Ceramicist

©N. Sabato

©S. Pointet

The past, the cast and the fast

Philippe is a recognised ceramics artist and teacher
His interest is both for the material and its history
He taught his craft at the HEAD in Geneva

Philippe Barde has been interested in ceramics since his teenage years. An all-round ceramicist with many different specialties, he is recognised today as one of Switzerland's significant ceramic artists. Philippe primarily works with plaster moulds. The creative process and the history of ceramics in general inspire his works, bringing tradition and innovation to his work by opposing them to each other, as well as mixing them. "Breaking and reconstituting are part of my approach," Philippe says. He was a ceramics teacher at the HEAD school of Geneva between 1989 and 2019, where he also ran the CERCCO (centre for experimentation and production in contemporary ceramics). Philippe brings a lot of humour to his practice and to his teaching, recommending patience, patience and more patience to young people interested in the craft. "Every day I would say to my students, 'Cool, let's give it a go'," he adds.

Interview

What sorts of ceramics do you create?: I am into ceramics in general really, although I do especially like working with moulded plaster. Regarding the style of my work, I am absolutely above what you would call a neat finish. I prefer to make my pieces nice and quickly. I must admit that I am quite a clumsy person.
How would you define your approach?: I consider myself to be an adventurer in the world of ceramics. I appreciate doing research on this topic above all else. In other words, you could say that I aim to do what has not been done yet. I both confront and bring together tradition and innovation.
What do you like so much about your craft?: I started ceramics early, when I was a teenager as a means to be independent. Now, I particularly like the 'out of control' aspect of the material I work with, as well as its millennial history that I always enjoy studying.
Is there anything you cherish particularly?: I particularly enjoy meeting people, and moments spent abroad working and studying. This could be in Japan, China, Korea or the United States. Those are precious opportunities to meet like-minded ceramicists from all over the world.

Philippe Barde is a master artisan: he began his career in 1974 and he started teaching in 1984