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Nurturing Creativity and Collaboration: An Interview with Ceramic Artist Arild Berg
What inspired you to delve into ceramic surfaces and colors, Arild?
My inspiration springs from a passion for co-creation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through scratching drawings into layers of colored porcelain and burning them to 1220 degrees, I aim to create a unique expression. This endeavor is not merely about ceramics but rather an exploration of participatory methods and interdisciplinary co-creation for a sustainable society.
Can you elaborate on your creative process and the framework it is built upon?
Certainly. My projects often initiate from a need within a context where people, environment, design, and artworks converge. This context becomes a poetic frame, played upon with elements like the time dimension of individuals in various stages of life. I aim to blur the lines between art, design, research, and everyday life in novel ways.
How do you envision the intersection of your artwork with other materials or disciplines?
I’m keen on connecting my ceramic work with other materials, such as fibers, and exploring collaborations with music composers. There’s a fascinating potential in the cross-pollination of art forms.
Describe your workspace and the tools crucial to your craft.
My creative space is a shared studio with fellow artists. Essential tools include fluid porcelain, plaster molds, brushes, scratching utensils, and, of course, a ceramic kiln.
Are there specific techniques or crafts you’re eager to explore in the future?
I am intrigued by the idea of systematically integrating my artwork with communication through material aesthetics. Experimenting with collaborative artistic practices and exploring innovative ways of using materials are areas I’d like to delve into.
What have you learned in your artistic journey that you’d like to share with fellow crafters?
I’m passionate about developing different perspectives on participation in public art. This involves creating participatory artworks and publications based on these experiences. I believe artistic research can deepen our understanding of how participatory methods in public art can enhance involvement and foster new practices.
Your professional dreams, Arild?
In the broader perspective of interdisciplinary collaboration, I aspire to use my expertise in art and design theory to contribute to matters of health, education, and technology—all geared towards sustainability. It’s about expanding the impact of my craft beyond the artistic realm.