NAJA UTZON POPOV

The slow process of building a ceramic piece by gradually stacking and joining coils of clay one on top of each other is an essential element in Naja Utzon Popov’s expression. Her large floor vases take their own direction in the building process as they develop into an organic form where the opening also remains seemingly unfinished. “It is an eternal cycle between construction and decay,” says Utzon Popov.

The unglazed surfaces highlight the beautiful colors of the materials in their natural state. Through her love for the pure expression of clay, Utzon Popov tells "in a beautiful, quiet and yet strong artistic idiom about taking care of nature and the beauty and fragility of life." Utzon Popov, who works from a studio in Copenhagen, draws on an international orientation. She grew up in Denmark, an important source of inspiration along with time spent in Australia, where she studied drawing and painting. She continued her formal education in the UK . Her artworks reflect a modern edge derived from the simplicity of natural surroundings and an aesthetic sensitivity in which she has been immersed all her life. Working across sculpture, ceramics, glassware and textiles she describes her practice as translating encounters with nature.

Each of the large floor vases she has made for Ark Kollekt 01 is unique in shape and size and made in white grogged stoneware fired to 1235 degrees Celsius.