London

Simone Doesburg

Grace of Glaze

Porcelain maker | Amersfoort, Netherlands

The smooth finishes of colours that pop

Simone is drawn to the practical, purposeful side of design
She loves working with porcelain and seeing its transformation
Her colourful pieces are inspired by nature

Simone Doesburg, founder of Grace of Glaze, is a Dutch ceramicist known for her vibrant porcelain pieces that embody bold elegance. After her studies at the prestigious Design Academy in Eindhoven and an internship at Royal Tichelaar, which is one of the oldest ceramic companies in the Netherlands, she went on to create pieces for everything from custom home collections to restaurants and museum exhibitions. “Clay and I work very well together,” says Simone, who uses porcelain as a canvas for her striking colour combinations. Inspired by nature, shifting seasons and interior architecture, Simone's work is known for its soft forms and layered finishes.

Interview

How would you describe the essence of your work?: I would say it exudes bold elegance, with nuance in colour choices and materials, but combinations that create strong, vivid stories. I love contrasts, like a matte exterior paired with a shiny interior and a gradient in between. My forms are soft, but they carry a certain fierce, feminine energy.
What is the best compliment your work has received?: I love seeing people’s faces when they experience my work, that moment of awe that brings out emotions. When someone tells me they think a piece is spectacular and that they cannot wait to use it, that is perfect.
Does your work reflect your personality?: Definitely. There is softness and subtlety in what I make, qualities I have always identified with. My practice has pushed me to be bolder and step out of my comfort zone. I feel like I have grown together with it, and I would not have taken certain steps and be the person I am now without it.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?: For me, milestones tend to be internal and evolve continuously. Seeing my work in exhibitions has been very special. One that stands out was Kleureyck at the Design Museum Gent in 2020. It was during COVID, so it did not get the attention it deserved, but it was a beautiful show. It was full of makers with unique aesthetics centered around colour, and I really felt at home among those pieces.

Simone Doesburg is a rising star: she began her career in 2018