Balázs Botos

Botoshka

Ceramicist

Ceramics of contrasts

Balázs is primarily inspired by Nordic design
After studying industrial design, he became fascinated by ceramics
His work is characterised by a play of contrasts

Balázs Botos originally studied design and jewellery, and started working with porcelain around graduation. Since 2018 he has been a key figure in Hungarian contemporary ceramic art. His work is a combination of simplicity and a complex, conceptual artistic vision. For example, his Iceland jewellery collection is both impactful and elegant, drawing attention to both the evident and hidden challenges of climate change. Balázs' work often revolves around the balance between opposing themes, such as playfulness and thoughtfulness, regular shapes and irregular decorations, or juxtapositions of flat and rough surfaces. Balázs is now planning to expand his activities into furniture and object design. In a sense, he may be turning once more to his origins as an industrial designer.

Interview

What was the first object you made in this field?: It was extruded porcelain letters. I am still sitting with the idea and I will definitely come back to it.
What has been the most memorable moment in your work life so far?: The first time I saw that people were really attracted to my objects, I could say that they fell in love with them at first sight. It was the first time I felt I had achieved what I wanted to do: to bring a little joy into people's homes and lives.
What do you think makes an object great?: If it is doing more than just fulfilling a function. You can drink water from a jar, but you have little pleasure. To touch a cup, to look at it, to drink from it. A good object offers something beyond the functional and aesthetic experience, such as discovery, adventure.
What inspires you the most?: Movies, books, travels and exhibitions inspire me, and interestingly, I am very inspired by old children's toys. This might sound a bit sentimental, but I think that these objects evoke fantastic feelings and thoughts in people.

Balázs Botos is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2012