Laura Pasquino

Ceramicist

©Maison Mouton Noir

An eye for texture details

Laura handcrafts ceramic vessel-shaped sculptures
Elaborate textures and organic forms are the focal point of her aesthetic
She started out as self-taught in ceramics, then trained with masters abroad

Amsterdam-based ceramicist Laura Pasquino is a master of organic, minimalistic forms and intricate textural details. Laura’s journey into ceramics was self-guided and influenced by a lifelong fascination with art. Her passion for clay, sparked by its versatile nature, led her to purchase a potter’s wheel in 2019 and start experimenting. This humble beginning marked the start of a career characterised by persistent development and refinement. Laura honed her craft through international experiences, including an intensive pottery apprenticeship in Kyoto, Japan, followed by the establishment of her first studio in Portugal, where she perfected her techniques. Using textured stoneware and porcelain, her pieces have a subtle presence, reflecting her preference for simplicity and quiet elegance.

Interview

©Janne Wellens

©Maison Mouton Noir

What does well made mean to you?: I spend a lot of time working on details, like getting the right amount of grains in the texture. This can take days. Sometimes I look at the piece when it is drying and notice that the texture changes during the process, so I might decide to add an extra layer. It really is about the smallest of details.
What are your sources of inspiration?: I am fascinated by natural processes. The different formations that natural forces create in landscapes have been a big inspiration, especially for the textures of my works. Inspiration can come from anywhere, but I also like to look at design in general, architecture and history.
What has been the highlight of your career?: The sale of one of my early works to a major art collection in 2022. It was a porcelain, spherical form with a collapsed top and a one-of-a-kind piece. Initially I was not sure about showing it at all, but it turned out to be very much wanted in the end.
What was a memorable moment for you?: The most memorable moments are exhibitions, when I really get a chance to get out of the studio and put the works in a different environment. Solo shows particularly. The preparations can be very intensive, but they also push you to improve every time.

Laura Pasquino is a rising star: she began her career in 2019