Patrick Jadot

Ceramicist

©Geraldine Dardenne

©Patrick Jadot

©Gilles Lambert

A hand choreography for ceramics

Patrick makes functional tableware ceramics with a twist on conventional forms
The essence of his work lies in the making process and the freedom of gestures
He is concerned about the potter’s wheel technique not being passed on to the next generation

At the age of 16, Patrick Jadot developed a passion for all kinds of crafts. Through meetings with ceramicists and visits to several pottery markets in Europe, he discovered the many opportunities of working with clay. Patrick pursued ceramic studies in Brussels and later fine-tuned his skills through workshops with international masters such as Walter Keeler and Seungho Yang. "There are so many reasons why I embraced this career,” says Patrick. “I love translating ideas into creations, the sensuality of materials, exploring the personality of materials and turning them into something to be used. There is an intrinsic connection between a material like porcelain and the hands, and that, for me, is an inexhaustible source of inspiration,” he explains.

Interview

©Nathalie Majerus

©Patrick Jadot

What were the first works you made?: My first works focused on the theme of dyslexia. By using a specific sculptural language to work on this topic, I wanted to re-appropriate my ability to spell, in order to free myself from it.
In what way is your craft linked to Belgium?: My identity as an artisan has been shaped by three kinds of industries in Belgium: brickyards, stoneware pipe producers and potteries – specifically the pottery company Royal Boch. When visiting such companies, I have always been fascinated.
How would you define what you do?: The true meaning of my work does not lie so much in the form of my creations, and even less in the aesthetics. The deepest essence lies in the shaping and the almost choreographic gestures in making the objects. Of course I do always take ergonomics and tactile notions into account.
Could your craft be considered in danger?: Yes, when we talk specifically about the craft of working with the potter’s wheel in Belgium. Very few Belgian art academies still offer proper training of wheel techniques, while I feel it is their duty to pass on this craft to the next generations.

Patrick Jadot is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2000