How did you start ceramics?
My name is Jérémy Bellina, I am a French Berlin based potter on a craftsmanship journey. I discovered pottery over the past few years and decided to turn it into my full time job in 2019. I operate from a small studio in Friedrichshain *NOW in Neukolln* where I spend the vast majority of my time, sourcing raw materials, throwing, glazing and firing my creations.
I aim at creating contemporary, playful and functional pieces of ceramics for your daily use.
What is your process?
The creation of my pieces is done in 5 steps:
- Shaping
- Finishing – the application of the handles and my logo
- The first firing at 900 degrees – glazing
- The second firing at 1225 degrees
What inspires you ?
This year I want to experiment with glazes and textures a bit more.
Here is a vase of mixed reclaimed clays with black Marilee’s Lava glaze at the base and a layering of various drippy glazes at the top. I thought the two would meet in the middle since the top combo is usually super runny but not this time. I love the retro mood this piece has, looks straight out of a flea market.
What does sustainability mean to you?
Each piece is designed, handmade and fired at my atelier in Berlin.
On average, how long does it take to make a piece?
It takes me a day to throw them and then they have to dry overnight. I finish them the next day and place the logos. The next day I create the handles. Then I let them dry completely for about 4 days. I fire them the first time for 25 hours. I take an afternoon to enamel and then pop them back in the kiln for 35 hours and the pieces are finished. It depends on the models but I would say it takes me about a week and a half to make a model.
