“encounter” brings two crafts together within a single material, meeting on equal footing. Louisa Goldman throws thin-walled porcelain rings, while Céline Arnould applies human hair—coated with porcelain slip—as a linking layer over and between them. During firing, the hair burns away and leaves a relief-like trace that binds the elements.

These areas become exceptionally translucent, especially in areas where it spans gaps and nothing lies behind it; in backlight, they appear to glow. As the porcelain softens in the high firing, the object settles into its final form. The process itself becomes an active agent, inviting a dialogue between material, technique, and the makers. The pieces lean subtly, seeking their centre of gravity, and orient themselves through a dominant opening.

Inside, the wheel-thrown porcelain remains smooth; outside, the burnt-out hair creates a distinct texture while the underlying geometry stays visible. Shown together, the works enter into dialogue, revealing through repetition how intentional design and chance jointly shape the final form.

“encounter” was funded by IKEA Foundation Switzerland & the Kanton St. Gallen.

Thrown Mont Blanc porcelain | human hair (dipped in Mont Blanc porcelain slip) | 1250 °C.

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