What do you love about ceramics?
Ceramic likes my shapes. Especially porcelain, which is a reminiscent material: it conserves the deformations gained during the heating stage, and that is beneficial for my organic forms. I also design public furniture pieces, so I have experimented with concrete and steel.
What are your sources of inspiration?
I became infatuated with the Möbius strip which is a surface with only one side and only one boundary curve. This self-returning surface is referenced in my tableware collection and the jewellery I made from metal. I am also obsessed with plants, nature's patterns: I am a member of the Hungarian Orchid Society.
©Alexandra Popov
What is the story behind your street furniture?
I made KAVICS (pebble) with the VPI Concrete Design & Manufacture company. My task was to create a smooth-surfaced object from concrete. This furniture has multiple functions, you can chat, read or sunbathe on it. Since it’s creation KAVICS has received the Architizer A+ Award, A’Design Award, European Product Design Award and IDA Design Award.
What is specific about the techniques you apply?
Instead of using the traditional potter’s wheel, I prefer mixing analogue techniques with digital methods. I draw preliminary shape studies and make plaster models, but I finish the drafts with a 3D design software. I also use 3D scanning and CNC cutting processes for my public furniture.