Ceramicist and gardener Anna Öquist Brännström is inspired by the simplicity of the distinctive Japanese aesthetic. But it is important to find a balance between form and function, and in this process the Umeå artist, who is currently a participant in eXpression Design, thrives. We had the opportunity to take stock in the middle of the process ahead of the product launch in May.

Anna Öquist Brännström is a trained ceramist and gardener and since 2015 she runs her own business in ceramics and gardening. For more than 20 years she has had her own ceramics workshop in Teg, in a barn that her grandfather built in the 1920s.

In eXpression Design, she participates mainly as a ceramicist and is currently working on a new product to be produced together with a local manufacturer.

Tell us about your company and your creativity.

I work mainly with turning of utility items both for sale and on order. In addition to my own production, I organise ceramics workshops. In gardening, I work with garden planning, advice and pruning," says Anna.

For Anna, sustainability is important in her work. Everything is made by hand in a small-scale production, where the ambition is not to produce more than what is demanded. The aesthetic is simple and the decoration economical to last over time.

What kind of objects do you create?

I mainly turn stoneware objects. Objects for everyday use, such as cups, bowls, dishes and candlesticks. I also do some casting in porcelain where I make my own moulds.

In addition to everyday objects, she also makes sculptures that are fired using a special Japanese firing technique. Anna explains that "Raku firing", as it is called, creates endless variations in the glaze.

What is so special about ceramics?

I love working with clay. It is a material that constantly surprises, therein lies the challenge and also the reason why, after many years, I am still fascinated by clay.

She stresses that there is always something new to learn and new ideas to implement. But at the same time, ceramics is rooted in an old craft tradition that is important for her to pass on.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration in the simplicity of expression. I have a love for the Japanese aesthetic after several trips there. The decoration is sparse, a stamp decoration on the outside of a mug or hands leaving marks in the clay in the form of scratches on the bottom of a bowl. I constantly strive to find a balance between form and function.

In the spring, eXpression Design will conclude with the now customary product launch, where all participants will showcase what they have worked on during the programme.

Can you give any clues as to what you are working on? What will we see?

Ceramic objects inspired by the sea and mountains with elements of glass and wood, concludes Anna Öquist Brännström sparingly secretive.

Links

• Follow Anna Öqvist Brännström ceramics on instagram
• See the products from the previous editions of eXpression Design
• Read more about our new Designlab programme

Cover photo: Bea Holmberg