Paperclay

CARRIER

CARRIER
Navn
Anna Sofie Aaskov
Uddannelsesgrad
Professionsbachelor
Fagfelt
Design
Institut
Bygningskunst og Design
Program
Crafts in Glass and Ceramics
År
2024

CARRIER

During my Bachelor project, I repurposed discarded objects to imbue depth and meaning into my ceramic work, attempting to capture fleeting moments. Working with texture and tactility, I utilized vessels as canvases or carriers, integrating collected objects to evoke perspective and wonder. Collecting these objects made me aware of the present, preserving those moments. 

My fascination with overlooked material stemmed from an interest in uncovering intrinsic value, blurring the lines between useful and useless when looking at an object beyond its intended function. This process of reassembling and repurposing items mirrored a universal search for coherence amidst fragmentation, “to find oneself in what already exists”, resonating deeply with my own need to convey presence and storytelling into something tangible. 

Collected Material

“Tingfinder” – The Carrier

I have always been a collector or a carrier of discarded objects or hidden treasures. Throughout my childhood and recent years, my pockets have been full of random items that caught my eye while walking. I do not search for specific things or plan projects in advance; it is more about being present in the inbetween moments of life. It is the ability to spot value and purpose in objects others may overlook or deem insignificant. 

Collecting material is a way to navigate everyday life with observant eyes, finding objects or materials that can be reused, repurposed, or revived. It is a way of capturing moments or associations within a found object that I can use when creating or developing ideas. This process adds depth, stories, and meaning to my work, redefining consumer culture and encouraging individuals to rethink how they view objects. 

I think all art comes from something personal, something the artist needs to process. However, it needs to be done in a way that is still relevant to others. I see it as me standing with a personal process that becomes more versatile and relatable through the object I make.

Collected Material

I work with a form that has existed for centuries and a collection of discarded materials. What interests me is how to use the potential and contrasts within the material and the form to show the relevance of objects beyond their intended function.

Process Pictures

Form – The Vessel as a Ceramic Canvas

I have chosen to work with the vessel as a canvas for my project. The vessel is one of the most timeless and universal functional wares, and its simplicity and versatility have been relevant for centuries. It is an object that everyone recognizes and relates to. Beyond its physical function, a vessel can stand alone without the support of other functional wares. It often carries symbolic and metaphorical meaning through storytelling and presence.

As Roger Fry states in "An Essay in Aesthetics" (1909), "It is only when an object exists in our life for no other purpose than to be seen that we really look at it" (Houston, 1991, p. 28). By working with a well-known functional object like a vessel, I aim to reach a broader audience. The vessel’s familiarity contrasts with the unconventional abstract surfaces made from found objects, blurring the lines between functional and sculptural objects. This recognition invites viewers to explore the vessel’s surface, investing time and curiosity.

Pictures by Peter Winther