ceramics
Horta Kemper
Could you share a bit about yourself and your background?
I'm originally from Brazil, but I've been living here in Germany for about six years now. Back in Brazil, I worked as a journalist and dabbled in the fashion industry for quite a while. My last role was in the political arena, but to be honest, it didn't give me the fulfilment I was after. After spending around five to six years in university, I realised that the path I was on just didn't fit with who I was anymore.
When I was 24, feeling mentally and financially strained, I embarked on a journey abroad from Brazil for a year of new experiences. An AuPair program offered me a ticket to live abroad, learn a language, and have shelter. This journey led me to Germany, where I met my husband, Mark, an artist, who inspired me to get closer to the arts. I was pretty lost when I first moved here and I found solace in pottery. Starting with a need for tableware, I turned to YouTube for guidance and began practising at home. Though I struggled initially, I was captivated by the craft's organic nature. However, as interest in my pottery grew, so did the pressure for it to become more than a hobby. The demands to excel, sell, and produce quickly began to weigh heavily on me.
I hit a rough patch, experiencing a serious burnout that led me to step away from pottery for a while. But eventually, I found my way back to it. Looking back, it all makes sense now. I come from a family where crafting, particularly embroidery, was a big part of our lives. It's something deeply ingrained in my roots, tracing back to my upbringing in the Brazilian countryside. So, in a way, life brought me full circle.
What was the early motivation to express your creativity through ceramics?
I began in a very simple way, just wanting to create new tableware for my home. After delving into ceramics, I realised it's more than just shaping clay—it's a profound teacher.
Clay has a way of finding us, or maybe we find it, for a reason. For me, it's been deeply healing. I often tell my students that working with clay teaches us about impermanence. No matter how perfect a piece may seem, it can break at any time, teaching us to let go. This lesson has been transformative for someone like me, who tends to be a bit of a control freak and a perfectionist. Clay has helped me not only creatively, but also mentally and emotionally. It's like finding solace in the earth itself. Being an Aquarius, I'm drawn to the airy side of life, but working with earthy clay grounds me in a way that nothing else does. It's truly a profound connection.
How did Horta Ceramics come about?
I started out like everyone else, just as a hobby, wanting to create some unique tableware for my home. Back then, about five years ago, there weren't many ceramic classes or a big ceramics scene, especially in my area. But slowly, people started noticing and asking if I sold my pieces.
Despite my initial resistance and perfectionism, I finally opened up an Instagram account in 2021 and started sharing my process. Eventually, people began showing interest in buying my pieces, and that's how it all began. But by mid-2022, I hit a burnout. I was just producing and selling without much creativity or fulfilment. I realised I needed more than just ceramics in my life. That's when I started therapy sessions, and it became clear that I thrive on variety. So, last year, I started teaching classes, and it opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Horta Ceramics isn't just a business anymore; it's become a brand encompassing various clay-related projects. And I have even bigger plans for the future. It's been quite the journey of rediscovering my passion and finding new ways to express it.
How do you think that the places, people, and traditions where you grew up are now manifesting in your art?
I've thought about this a lot. My style is very organic and simple—I often let raw clay show in my pieces instead of fully glazing them. It's a natural aesthetic for me. When I analyze it, I realise my creative process is deeply connected to what I've never experienced before. Growing up in the loud, colourful suburbs of Brazil, my family home was always vibrant and full of life. Despite loving that aesthetic, my work tends to be more natural and calm, reflecting a longing for something different. Using red clay in my pieces reminds me of my hometown and roots. I grew up on a farm, isolated from friends, surrounded only by nature's sounds. While I cherish those memories, my imagination always reached beyond those farm boundaries. So, my work channels that longing for new experiences and different environments, even though I've never directly lived them back then.
Can you take us through your process? Do you have a favourite part of the creation process?
Pottery is a craft that I deeply cherish for its intricate process and the sense of calm it instils in me. Teaching pottery allows me to impart this appreciation to my students, emphasizing the importance of understanding the process to achieve quality results.
Collaborating with brands on personalized pieces involves meticulous planning and testing to ensure every detail aligns with the client's vision. While the administrative side has become more prominent in my work, my heart lies in the tactile experience of shaping clay on the wheel. So my favourite part remains the hands-on process of throwing clay on the wheel, where I feel most connected to my craft. While glazing may not be my forte, the act of shaping raw clay into functional pieces brings me immense joy and fulfilment.
When it comes to the tactile aspect of your work and its connection with your body, how does the hands-on nature impact your overall happiness and well-being?
Pottery has become an essential part of my life, transcending mere artistic expression to become a source of solace and personal growth. Teaching pottery classes has deepened my understanding of its therapeutic benefits, offering a sanctuary from the hectic pace of everyday life.
Through pottery, I've learned the importance of mindfulness and being present in the moment. It's not just about creating beautiful pieces; it's about immersing oneself in the tactile experience of shaping clay and finding peace. Moreover, my journey with pottery has led to unexpected connections and collaborations with fellow ceramists, fostering a sense of community and support that extends far beyond the confines of the studio. Together, we've created a network of like-minded individuals who share a passion for the craft and a commitment to personal and artistic growth. Through pottery, I've discovered a profound sense of purpose and fulfilment, and I'm excited to see where this journey takes me next.
We know that you run clay classes. Could you tell us more about your classes, including your teaching approach and what initially inspired you to teach?
Teaching pottery has been a deeply rewarding experience for me, rooted in my own struggles with learning. Creating a welcoming environment for my students is paramount, especially for those who, like me, may struggle with attention. Many of my students come to class feeling uncertain, but I strive to instil confidence through clear communication and patience.
My approach to teaching beginners on the wheel is to treat every concept as if it were entirely new, recognizing that what may be routine for some is entirely novel for others. Sharing my passion for pottery and preserving this traditional craft is what drives me. I'm inspired by the idea of passing on knowledge and keeping this age-old craft alive. It's incredibly fulfilling to see students not only learn but also pursue their own creative ventures, with some even starting their own businesses after taking my classes. Witnessing their journey beyond the classroom is what truly motivates me and reinforces my commitment to teaching.
Where do you think lies the biggest potential to preserve important local crafts in the contemporary context?
I think that preserving local crafts in today's context relies on both teaching and collaboration. I see immense potential in collaborations that extend beyond traditional boundaries. Brands and companies unrelated to pottery can join forces with artisans to create unique, innovative products. For instance, I recently came across a skincare brand from South Korea that collaborated with a pottery artist to design a gua sha tool. This creative partnership exemplifies how diverse industries can intersect with clay craftsmanship. Forging such collaborations is key to keeping traditional crafts alive and thriving in contemporary times.
What upcoming projects make you excited right now?
This year, I'm diving deeper into the world of gastronomy, crafting pieces not only for restaurants but also for private chefs. The fusion of food and ceramics excites me the most right now. Additionally, collaborating with brands outside the realm of clay is something I'm passionate about. Recently, I've been commissioned to create pieces for a store in Taipei, marking my first venture into selling outside of Europe. It's thrilling to think about reaching new audiences and expanding my presence beyond Instagram and online platforms. These projects truly inspire me and I'm eager to see where they lead.
Where and how can people engage more with your work?
You can engage with my work mainly online, where I'm active on Instagram, TikTok and my website. Additionally, you can visit my studio store in Dortmund or find my pieces in various other studios. There are plenty of ways to connect with my work.
