Steen Ipsen

Ceramicist

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Breaking with tradition

Steen's works can be found in museums around the world
He is known for investigating a theme again and again
He was a teacher at the Danish Royal Academy

Steen Ipsen's life’s work is to explore the combination of form and decoration. “My intentions at the beginning, and still nowadays, are to create a set of rules for combining basic geometric shapes where form and decoration work together to obtain an optical effect,” he explains. One of the most talented ceramicists of his generation, Steen was born in Naestved, Denmark, and was only 18 years old when he was admitted to the Royal Danish Academy in 1984. A common thread in his work is geometric patterns based on mineral and organic growth principles such as cell division, cell fission and crystallisation. His signature sculpture series is called Tied-Up and features joined, monochrome glazed spherical shapes, that are tied up with coloured strings of PVC or leather.

Interview

Why did you depart from the Danish ceramic tradition?
I wanted to pursue free sculptural forms to attract the observer's attention and imagination. From 2005 I broke with tradition and my works became more informal, with spikes and balls glazed in often provocative colours.
What’s the creative process for your series Tied-Up?
After I get the balls out of the moulds, I model them together and when the sculptures are dry, I sand them until they are completely smooth. Then the sculptures are glazed and re-glazed and fired up to three or four times to obtain a completely perfect, monochrome effect.
Do you use technology at all?
I love a high level of craftsmanship and the traditional way of working. I build up my sculptures by hand, I make my own plaster moulds and I don’t use any kind of digital technique.
Has there been a memorable moment in your professional life?
In 2016, I was invited to the Queen of Denmark's gala dinner as one of only two ceramicists among other artists, actors, writers, ballet dancers and opera singers. It was simply an unforgettable experience and a great honour for me.

Steen Ipsen is a master artisan: he began his career in 1984 and he started teaching in 1989