Scandinavia seems to sizzle with fresh talent in the ceramics industry right now. Here, Vogue Scandinavia chats to Isabelle Gut, ceramicist du jour, about her trendy craft
From organic shapes to bright colour ways, we're all craving a change in our kitchen cupboards. When perusing the internet for an update, you may have seen the wide-handled, extremely eye-pleasing cup that comes in the most appealing tones, from delicate pale mint to vibrant tangerine.
Yes, we’re talking about that sought-after cup by Gothenburg-based Isabelle Gut – dubbed 'The Signature Cup' – as seen in the homes of our favourite Scandi influencers. Below, we sit down with the artisan to learn more about her work.
Tell us a bit about yourself, where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small town called Mora, located in the middle of Sweden. For the past nine years, I have been living in beautiful Gothenburg. As a young adult, I made detours to Norway and the US, but this is where I’ll stay. I don’t regret anything, but nothing really beats this city. We have the cutest 1960s house in Hisingen, a short trip from the sea. It’s all I could ever ask for.
Photo: Isabelle Gut
Photo: Isabelle Gut
How did you get into ceramics?
I started this journey about six years ago. It was another quite impulsive decision of mine, trying to fix myself and the way I felt at that time. I wouldn’t say clay could ever replace therapy – or, yeah, I would. I took a short class in the art of clay and was amazed, but then life happened, I guess.
I didn’t touch clay again until early 2021, when I had the chance to rent a small space in a ceramic studio with three other women. I’m so glad I did. My son was only a few months old at the time, and I felt very fragile and lost becoming a parent, still longing for some me-time. The very first piece that I made was 'The Signature Cup'. It's kind of hard to wrap my head around the fact that it actually pays my bills today.
Photo: Isabelle Gut
Photo: Isabelle Gut
Is there anyone else in your family who does anything similar?
No. I guess my family are all creatives, yet no one is. Does that make sense? My sister is amazing with words, and my mum could transform an empty room into something beautiful using nothing. My dad really shares the same restless mind, always looking for a new project. I actually think he is the most creative, but he would never say that about himself.
As a child what did you want to be? Did ceramics cross your mind?
Ceramics? Never. I remember wanting to become an artist, though. I even had my own easel and canvases because I guess plain paper wasn’t worthy of my ambitions.
Where do you get inspiration for your work?
From art, a fashion collection, a new series that I get caught up in. Music. My sweet son and my husband. Architecture. A bold colour combination from a package design. Anything and everything.
Photo: Isabelle Gut
Photo: Isabelle Gut
Are there any other artists you look up to and draw inspiration from?
Of course. People that are bold or daring in some way. I love minimalism, but I’m also drawn to people that are great with shapes or transforming feelings into art. For example, Paula Aalto really has her own style, which is always intriguing to me. But there are too many great artists out there to look up to. I should make a list.
How would you explain your style?
It’s modern, yet '70s-inspired minimalism, I suppose? Well, it is now.
Photo: Isabelle Gut
Photo: Isabelle Gut
What's the most popular item from your collection?
'The Signature Cup'. I wish it wasn’t. Although I’m thankful for it. ”The curse of making a hit” my friend Catharina said. Let’s leave it there.
How do you acknowledge sustainability in your work?
If I can encourage people to do what I do, or make people understand the value of buying handmade goods or art, then my work is done. There is nothing more sustainable than investing in unique pieces that will last a lifetime. Also, I recycle all clay from broken cups and failed projects, and I would never use glazes that are harmful in some way.
Plans for the future?
I’m always planning to expand and to try new things or techniques. That’s all I think about, 24/7. Making ceramics takes so much time and effort, though; sometimes I fail halfway through this idea that I had, and sometimes something amazing comes out of it. You never know. I have learned not to expect anything from clay, yet it’s so thrilling to experience this medium and what it can turn into. I guess I’m stuck with it now.