Sentinelle - Inspirée d'une tour aux environs de Clermont Ferrand, 2025

Jean-Marie Cloarec  

In 2005, I dared to put my hands in the clay, and since then it's always stuck to my fingers.

I was introduced to ceramics by a Taiwanese master: Huan Tang Chiu. I then perfected another approach to ceramics in South Africa. These two experiences gave me a more artistic vision of ceramics. Unfortunately, for many people, ceramics is confused with pottery and considered to be arts and crafts. Unfortunately, this narrow vision leads many ceramists to be seen as craftsmen rather than artists.

I'm very influenced by Japanese, Taiwanese, Chinese and Korean ceramists. This influence is reflected in my creations. My self-taught technique (I didn't study) has enabled me to experiment freely and discover innovative methods for shaping and glazing my pieces.

I work in stoneware (smooth, chamotte), earthenware and porcelain, with a particular preference for paper clay. Each piece is unique.

It can take a long time to make a piece, but I don't like simplicity. My pieces can be glazed, but they can also be left unglazed. I fire my pieces at 1040°C in an electric oxidation kiln.

I like to play with shapes, the fullness and emptiness around and within them, which makes them exist. I like to try out new shapes and mix materials: clay, wood, stone, metal, caning, etc...

Clay is shaped into vases, but their use depends on their internal emptiness (Lao Tzu).