Maja Frendrup

Nature on a surface

• Maja lives and works on the island of Bornholm
• She creates unique surfaces with local materials that interact with the glazes
• Since 2014 she has been an active member of Arts and Crafts Association Bornholm

The colours of the sky, the grains of sand, and the local granite surfaces inspire ceramicist Maja Frendrup. She established her studio in Bornholm after she graduated from the Royal Academy on the island in 2014. Vessels in their archetypical form are her canvas because she prioritises the structures and sensuousness of glaze, so the shape needs to be discrete and classical. Maja's speciality is her crackling and tactile glazes that include natural elements that she finds in nature. A large part of her work is about experimenting with newly found local materials in the glazes because surfaces and the dialogue they create are magical for her. As the chairwoman of ACAB, she has been a promoter of professional craft and strives to increase the field's general awareness.

Interview

©Rasmus Kvist Media

©Kasper Agergaard Kristensen

Why did you choose ceramics?

Since I was a child, I have dreamt of being a ceramicist. The material fascinates me, and it gives me peace of mind to have clay in my hands. I don't use many tools but create directly in the material. The tacit knowledge that your hands express is part of my infatuation with clay.

Is Bornholm a source of inspiration?

The unique nature of Bornholm surrounds me every day. Surfaces and structures of rocks, the sea and the forest impact my expression. I am not always conscious of it, though. The local materials add character to my pieces and become part of that specific story.

Do you have any special technical skills?

The magical chemistry of glazes opened my eyes during training. The different surfaces were a real game-changer regarding expression and tactility. It’s an ambition to keep developing my techniques and the custom-made glazes that speak to the senses.

What would be your advice to young craftspeople?

I always encourage young people to follow their passion. I found mine, and I’ve never looked back. No two days are alike, and neither is my work. It is demanding but rewarding. It is essential to recognize craft as a profession with great possibilities.

Maja Frendrup is a master artisan: he began his career in 2014 and he started teaching in 2017

Works

©Kasper Agergaard Kristensen

©Kasper Agergaard Kristensen

©Kasper Agergaard Kristensen

©Kasper Agergaard Kristensen

©Kasper Agergaard Kristensen

Where