Simon Holpert

Ceramicist

©Csilla Molnár

A penchant for upholding Hungarian ceramics

Simon began his artistic experimentation with porcelain and copper
Since living in Hungary, his work has become more colourful and bold
Tactile experience plays an important role in his work

Simon Holpert studied philosophy, linguistics and geopolitics, and he started making ceramics in his spare time. His first master was French ceramicist Lise Meillan. "I was fascinated by her glazes. Despite this, for a long time, after I became independent, I did not want to deal with glazes – just like a child, I wanted to go against my master. I started experimenting with glazes only when I moved to Hungary," he says. In Hungary, Simon found that there were plenty of opportunities: "world-famous International ceramics studio in Kecskemét is just an hour's drive from the capital. In addition, the basics of contemporary design are also very interesting here. Entire villages were involved in this profession back in the 1960s and 1970s. A good example is ’Tófej’ ceramic which could be found in every household at the time. This is something to be proud of and it is of paramount importance to translate this heritage into the future.”

Interview

©Csilla Molnár

©Csilla Molnár

What was the first object you made?: As an apprentice, it was a huge open bean pod with bean seeds on it. But recently my mother gave me the gift of one of my childhood creations, which was my first ceramic object. It was interesting to see how its shape could relate to my current work.
Do you think the field you work in is in danger?: I do not feel so. A lot of people nowadays want to be a ceramicist overnight. Trained ceramicists have a huge responsibility to make sure that people understand aesthetic and technical differences, and that is why conversations, workshops and exhibitions are so important.
What are your plans?: I will open my first atelier in 2024, where I will exhibit my objects and also hold workshops, mainly for children. My aim is to give children the technical skills but also the freedom to create – like the little boy who once came to my workshop and made cars and sofas out of clay.
What inspires you?: Mostly my emotions – when I look at different artists’ work, I feel something in my gut that moves me from the inside and tells me something. An other major inspiration are events in my own life that I want to portray with my objects.

Simon Holpert is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2011