Simon Zsolt József

Ceramicist

©Szilvia Simon-Nagy

Capturing a sense of movement

Simon masters many art forms
He innovates traditional slip casting techniques
His artistic creations are influenced by organic movement

Simon Zsolt József was around 12 years old when he met the only potter in his hometown, and this fortuitous meeting inspired him to dedicate himself to ceramics. He studied porcelain painting at Fischer Mor Porcelain Industrial Vocational School in Herend, and upon graduating he travelled around the world. During this time, he drew a lot, experimenting and developing a style true to himself and his passion for movement. Upon returning to Hungary, he started to adapt this drawing style to his work as a porcelain maker and painter. Over the years, he has complemented his previous studies with numerous other studies in music, drama, painting, teaching and porcelain design.

Interview

©Szilvia Simon-Nagy

©Szilvia Simon-Nagy

How did you become a ceramicist?: After studying porcelain painting, I trained as a porcelain designer at the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design in Budapest. Long before that, my first artworks were paintings. I have been painting since the age of three.
Did you learn from a master?: While at University my master was Éva Kádasi. I had a master for painting called Zoltán Döbröntei and for movement Martin Baker, Paul Harnischfeger and Kim Payne. All these skilled masters have influenced my artistic direction.
What is your creative process?: My inspiration comes from medieval stone carvings, architecture, archaic Greek sculptures, Middle Eastern ornaments and vegetation. I make porcelain pieces with functional purposes and decorative pieces that border on art using the slip casting technique I developed myself.
How have your travels influenced you?: I spent my 40th birthday in Japan. That was my first invitation to give a lecture and present my work at the Sasama festival. It changed my way of thinking about my skills and talent. Before this, I had never thought that I would enjoy speaking passionately about my work.

Simon Zsolt József is a master artisan: he began his career in 2006 and he started teaching in 2007