Raili Keiv

Tableware with a twist

• Raili creates experimental tableware
• She fuses ceramics with other materials
• She collaborates with artisans and designers

From the moment Raili Keiv was introduced to porcelain, there was no looking back. Now she collaborates, experiments and explores how to create the perfect ceramic objects with a twist. Like miniature pieces of architecture for your table, her artworks last for decades and have a green footprint. She has mastered the art of mixing different materials with ceramics, such as wood. This is reflected in her recent series called Porcelain Meets Wood, which is inspired by Estonian forests. Her artworks have machine made precision but are actually entirely handmade from her studio. She is an artisan who loves to design, but would never stop working with her hands!

Interview

© Rian Davidson

© Matthias Ritzmann

How did you learn to process other materials?

To mix other materials with porcelain, I had to learn a lot on my own. For instance, how to process unfamiliar materials like wood or concrete. Every time I saw works made with different materials, I asked the master how, so that I could implement their skills in my work.

What is important to you in your work?

The aspect of function and perfection plays a huge role in my work, as well as a form of hybrid of materials and techniques. I am a huge fan of factory-made work and this reflects in my pieces. In general, my work has to be interesting for me.

Do your designs finish as you envisioned?

Not so often. During the creation process unseen situations arise. Mistakes, inspirational materials or something else can appear that is added or stripped from the original design I had in mind. Designing my objects is always a long experimental process.

What advice would you give to a beginner?

Ceramics is a hard field to thrive in. You need to have a passion for the ceramic materials and a lot of patience in the long term to survive in the field.

Raili Keiv is an : she began her career in 2007

Where