Talking Ceramics

The EKWC has been a leading centre for ceramic experimentation for almost 50 years. This book not only tells the stories of the artists who worked there, but also emphasises the unexpected failures in the process. Clay is a natural, partly predictable material, but the kiln is crucial: once the work goes in, control disappears. Even the most experienced artist can be confronted with failure after firing. We wanted to incorporate this sense of uncertainty and surprise into the book—a book that you have to fire yourself.

You place the white book in the kiln and bake it at 65 degrees. As it heats, the cover design appears as invisible ink turns black. There is also a special edition with a cover made of 1 mm thin paper porcelain, a fragile material that symbolises vulnerability and acceptance of inevitable mistakes.