Stefan Jakob
Artist Statement
Since sitting at a potter’s wheel for the first time 25 years ago, ceramics has become my passion. My attendance at national as well as international seminars and workshops over the years has contributed to the discovery and development of my own visual language in this medium.
While attending the Swiss University for Artistic Studies in Zurich, I was introduced to the aspect of fire and ceramics, and pursued my fascination through in-depth study of primitive firing techniques and the construction of kilns suited to these ancient methods. My co-participation in the exhibitions ‘Pfahlbauland’ (1990) (Pile-Dwellings) and ‘Urgeschichte’ (1992) (Prehistory Live) provided me with extensive experience in the reproduction of Neolithic vessels and pit-firing.
In 1992, parallel to my professional activities in social work, I established my first ceramic studio at Hildastr in Zurich. Eventually I was able to devote my time solely to my ceramic interests and have maintained a studio ‘Keramik & Animation’ at Zweierstr in Zurich, since 1997.
Determined by and in combination with the coursework I offer, I choose ceramic processes that are adventurous in nature and involve pit-firing, raku-firing and wood-firing.
My work evolves around the development of the vessel. Because the functional aspects are of secondary importance to me, I focus on the liveliness of the form and its ensuing contradictions to create interesting and varying tensions within my pieces. All my vessels are hand-built, and an individual object often incorporates coiling, form-pressing and throwing.
