Embracing the World
An Interview with Hungarian Ceramic Artist Eszter Imre
Eszter Imre, the creator behind imreszti, lived in Sweden for years, but at the moment she is enjoying the Spanish sun in Valencia while working for a porcelain manufacturing company called Lladró.
We spoke April 2015 for the last time so I assume a lot of things have happened to you since then.
Yes, quite a lot of things have happened, and some big changes, too. For example, after being based in Sweden for nearly 7 years I moved to Spain last summer. Before that I got another master’s degree, had a few exhibitions, won some awards, completed exciting projects, taking part in artist in residence programmes in Italy and Denmark, travelled a lot and, of course, developed new products for both my brand and other companies.
What are you doing in Spain exactly? Do you already know what the next stop might be?
Spain is literally a stop now. I’ve signed a contract with a well-respected porcelain manufacturing company to be their internal designer, so I will surely enjoy the Spanish sun and sangria for about a year. But no worries, I continue with my own work as well, just keep an eye on me.
You’ve visited many places in Europe and probably talked to a great variety of people who work in the field of (ceramic) art. How would you describe the position of ceramic art in the context of art in Europe and in the world?
That’s a broad question, I’m not sure if I have the right and knowledge to answer it properly. I can speak for my end, though, since I work on a quite specific edge of ceramic art, meaning creating porcelain sculptures and custom design. The context is different in each country but we can speak of a large and vivid field within Europe.
If you ask me what position ceramic holds in the art field, I’m afraid, I have to say that it is still not entirely considered to be a fine art profession. Sadly, the categorisation of arts, crafts and design is still a habit, and I find it unreasonable, since material is only a medium, not a statement of belonging to one specific field. Ceramic objects are still widely considered craft, and it is very difficult for ceramic artists to get rid of this label. I myself don’t pay much attention to how my work is categorised, I do what I like, and then I let it go. My objects will surely find their place.
How have these trips shaped your views on the world of design and ceramic art?
My trips always have work purposes, and I keep a sharp eye on everything. It is always inspiring to visit new places even if I don’t get to see any ceramics on the way. My work is feeding from my daily experiences both as a designer and an artist. It often means not only the things I see but also the people I meet. The biggest reward of travelling around is to encounter with so many interesting, talented and dedicated people. I learn a bit from everyone in different ways, and every single trip shapes my personality. In that sense every trip, place, and person I meet forms my work as well.
What do you consider the greatest lesson you’ve learnt?
It is impossible to highlight it yet, but letting it go might be one, leaving worries behind given that in some way or other everything will be just fine. Letting precise plans go because they most likely not to work out the way I planned. Letting places and people go because if they are supposed to stay, they will, if not, they will be gone either I hold onto them or not. And most importantly: wasting no time on things that aren’t worth the effort, and not trying to fit in all the time and to satisfy everyone because it’s impossible. In the end, I may not find myself satisfied with my life.
Your work has been displayed all over Europe. When can we meet you at an exhibition in Hungary?
I’m happy to work in or for Hungary. I gladly accept all kind of invitations for exhibitions or projects, but it has been very few lately. Strangely enough, Hungary might be that country my work is known the least.
One can say that you have successfully managed to enter the international design circle. What advice would you give to young Central and Eastern European designers whose career hasn’t taken off yet?
It will not come to you. You have to make it happen! Don’t care about whoever says you can’t achieve things, if you really want it, you’ll find the way to get there. Moreover, don’t be too proud to make sacrifices, and no matter you make it or not, always stay respectful to the world and yourself.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m sitting at the airport of Milan on my way to Denmark. I’m very happy returning to the International Ceramic Research Centre of Guldagergaard for the third time. I was invited to design their new collection of plates that is going to be used by the resident artists in their newly renovated kitchen and also be sold for fundraising. I also offered to create a new line of cups for the centre to sell for fundraising with the purpose of bringing young Hungarian ceramic artists to Guldagergaard as it is very difficult for Hungarians to afford such place, especially for newly graduates. The experience they are able to gather there would be extremely valuable for them, especially at the beginning of their professional career.
by Ole Akhoej
Great initiative. What are your new/old plans for the future beyond this?
At the moment I try my wings working for Lladró in Valencia, Spain, so that shall be exciting. Besides this, I still care for my brand and see how things go. Plans are still enormous: working for a better, sustainable, smarter future, contributing to the changing landscape of my field and the world in general. Nothing less, of course. I would also not mind to earn a PhD any time soon.
Originally published at //hypeandhyper.com/en/atolelni-a-vilagot/.
