cERAMICS
Viola Beuscher
Could you share a bit about yourself and your background?
I grew up not far from Frankfurt, and later spent my high school years on Vancouver Island. Following that, I pursued my university education in Vienna. After years of traveling and living elsewhere, coming back felt surprisingly right. It's been a decade since I returned, and being close to my family again brings me immense comfort. Despite not being raised directly in Frankfurt, I've found a sense of belonging in this city.
After graduating from university with degrees in journalism and politics, I stumbled upon ceramics, and it instantly resonated with me. I vividly remember the moment of clarity after my first pottery class when I realized, 'This is it. This is what I want to do.'
I became determined to understand how to thrive as a woman in the craft industry and make a sustainable living from it. Pottery ignited a passion within me, challenging conventional notions of craftsmanship. Reflecting on my upbringing, I feel that I have developed a keen sensitivity to tactile materials and the ability to create projects that enhance people's environments. Though it took time to develop, I now utilize this skill to create meaningful work that resonates with others.
How did Viola Beuscher Ceramics Studio come about?
People often ask me about about it, and at this point, I stopped sharing details about it publicly, but what I can say is that I found myself in an accident and afterward I was super sick at the age of 22. I couldn't work the typical hours or days and ended up in a trauma hospital. This experience led me to discover clay, something I hadn't explored before because I was always focused on academic success.
Initially working with clay at home provided comfort and focus, and I became eager to learn techniques and everything about pottery. Establishing my own business became my pathway, creating a space where I could feel both valuable and in control. Consequently, this journey led to my eventual role as a business owner.
When I started the studio, I aimed to understand how to sustain myself through pottery, run a business, and build a team. Now, my aspiration goes beyond personal success; I want others, like the nine people currently alongside me, to thrive in a world where they can truly be themselves. Despite its romanticism, fostering this environment is crucial. I genuinely believe that everyone, even when facing challenges like depression or personal issues, possesses something valuable to offer. These principles motivate me, shaping our workspace into one that's inclusive and respectful, where every team member's contribution matters, irrespective of their position.
A quote from your website resonated deeply with us: "Viola uses her minimalist approach to design and create pieces that are visually striking and alluringly tactile, inviting you to pause and reconnect to the present." Could you elaborate on why it is so important to inspire a present way of living through your objects?
What I always aim to do is to create pieces that are almost too minimalist to exist. They're intentionally simple, yet I try to enrich them with surfaces that provoke excitement and interaction. I want people to feel compelled to touch them, to engage, or perhaps even spark conversations between strangers sharing an espresso at a bar, all because the tactile experience is different. Additionally, I want my work to serve as a platform for drinks, food, flowers, or whatever else people choose to place within them.
The reason I want to encourage interaction and provoke reactions is because it cultivates a unique experience, especially in today's fast-paced world where many of us are consumed by constant rush and consumption.
That's why I embrace a highly minimalist style. Initially, you may not realise that it's handmade due to its flawless appearance, but upon touching it, you get the full experience, akin to unwrapping a gift. It's something special.
We know that you work closely with a small team. Can you give us a glimpse into the bond you share with your team and how this dynamic enhances the creative process and the holistic essence of Viola Beuscher Ceramics Studio?
In the beginning, I began alone, and learning to lead a team was challenging. However, having a supportive team aided in my growth. One girl, who was only 17 at the time, insisted on interning with me. Eventually, she transitioned into my first employee and became a pivotal team member. She holds a special place and worked alongside me for three years, marking the beginning of our growth.
Initially, our focus was on expanding the workshop team. Then, as the office workload increased, my partner Philipp joined during COVID. He took charge of setting up the online shop and managing the backend operations, including finances. This is how our roles naturally evolved. Now, I oversee everything like a helicopter, while remaining heavily involved in the workshop five days a week. My main focus is on quality control.
We're a team of 10 in the office and 5 in the workshop, all self-taught and efficient in task allocation. In the workshop, roles include throwing, trimming, and glazing, while in the office, we manage marketing and e-commerce. Zima and I work together at the potter's wheel; I focus on larger pieces while she specializes in smaller ones. We handle all aspects of throwing, from kilns to glazing, with a particular fondness for trimming. Meanwhile, the office team manages tasks such as marketing, e-commerce, and email management. We encourage daily input from all team members during our morning meetings, fostering a culture of collaboration, we call the "innovation lab." Everyone contributes ideas, whether it's a small adjustment or a game-changing concept. So, while tasks are assigned, everyone has the opportunity to contribute daily. In the beginning, I never really thought much about the name of the company, but now, it's evolved into something more. It's not just about me anymore; it's about the entire team. It's become a personal brand, but we can't change the name anymore.
Could you walk us through your team's process? Do you collaborate throughout each step, or does each team member focus on specific tasks?
My role often revolves around networking and building connections. I like connecting with people from various sectors and fields because I find it incredibly interesting to learn from others. I'm typically the one who talks to new clients and creates a creative concept. For instance, if a restaurant approaches me, I'll discuss with the chef about their food, and then I'll envision a pottery universe to complement it. This is a significant aspect of my role, and it's something we also discuss within the pottery team because it's fascinating to hear their perspectives.
As for my personal creative process, I tend to work mostly at night when it's quiet and I have time for myself to experiment. This is where I find the most creativity flowing. When it comes to prototyping new items, it's always a collaborative effort because everyone's input matters. It's interesting to see how each team member contributes to the final decision.
Sometimes, it's about agreeing on a direction, while other times, it's about setting boundaries and discussing the possibilities and limitations of pottery. Communication and collaboration are very important throughout the entire process. We interact and seek input from different team members to ensure that we're making the best decisions. With such a diverse team, we have a wealth of knowledge and ideas to draw from, which enriches our work. I believe it's essential to leverage the expertise of the team.
We're aware that you run clay classes. Could you tell us more about your classes, including your teaching approach and what initially inspired you to teach?
In my experience, many attendees of our classes, especially those in demanding professions like medicine, law, and finance here in Frankfurt, often carry a lot of stress. Of course, there are also creators who join us.
When they visit our Clay Class Studio, our primary objective is to help them alleviate that stress and tension. As one of the three instructors, I find it deeply fulfilling to cultivate an environment where people can relax and discover something new. It's all about nurturing a culture of creativity and personal development within the city. I want individuals to feel at ease experimenting and learning without the fear of judgment, much like they did as children. Assisting them in letting go and embracing exploration is the most rewarding aspect of teaching clay classes. Sometimes, participants even forge connections and express a desire to reconvene, which is incredibly gratifying. This philosophy underpins our approach to teaching clay classes.
Where do you think lies the biggest potential to preserve important local crafts in the contemporary context?
Especially when I return to the clay class, I always encounter people who, after a session, gain a deeper understanding of the pottery world. Passing on this knowledge not only helps preserve this craft but also adds a contemporary twist, which is fascinating. It leads to increased demand from restaurants, museums, and various other sectors. This is crucial because the synergy of different crafts ensures their collective thriving. Personally, collaborating with other artisans, be they chefs, winemakers, or glassblowers, is incredibly rewarding. One of my primary objectives is to keep educating people to ensure the continued appreciation of craftsmanship. Connecting individuals through crafts is vital for their preservation.
When visitors come here, even during our regular hours, and witness our studio's handcrafted process, they gain insight into why our products are priced as they are. It's about fostering dialogue and collaboration, ensuring the continued transmission of knowledge within society so that it isn't forgotten.
Where do you want your most significant contribution to be?
As a ceramic artist and business owner, my most significant contribution extends beyond pottery into the creation of an entire ecosystem—a space where clay fosters profound experiences and connections. Beyond crafting beautiful pieces, I aim to cultivate a community where values of creativity, mindfulness, and personal growth thrive. My studio isn't just a place for molding clay; it's a place where individuals can alleviate stress, embrace vulnerability, and explore their creativity freely. It's about leaving a lasting impression, not only through tangible pottery but also in the hearts and minds of those who engage with my work and studio. Ultimately, my legacy isn't solely measured by the pieces I create but by the impact they have on the lives they touch and the cultural tapestry they contribute to.
