Delia Dettmer: Luxembourg Ceramic Artist

 

1. How were you introduced to Ceramics?

During several years I was living on an island in Sweden where a lot of potters were active. We used to visit their studios and watch them throw on the pottery wheel. At the age of 15 I started taking evening classes and that’s when I fell in love with clay! Ceramics is an amazing field. The variety is just incredible.

 

2. What type of vases do you most like to make?

I don’t think I have a preference. I like to throw tall vases, with a narrow neck, as much as very small vases and anything in between. Recently I followed an Ikebana class and I’m now thinking of making some japanese inspired vases.

 

 

3. What is the best advice you have received through your ceramics studies?

Don’t spend too much time trying to fix a failed pot, make another one!

 

4. How did you manage to turn your passion into a business? 

I have another day job, which means that I only work in my studio after work and during weekends (small scale production). I post pictures of my ceramics on my Instagram account. People who like to buy/order something from me, usually contact me through Instagram or email. If someone would like to visit my studio, they are very welcome. Sometimes I take part in pop-up events and markets or I organize a small event at home.

 

 

5. Are there any artists who you look up to or inspire you most?

Berndt Friberg (Sweden), Signe Persson Melin (Sweden), Stefan Andersson (Sweden), Anne Mette Hjortshøj (Denmark), Edmund de Waal (UK).

 

6. Do you often make your own flower arrangements for your vases?

Not as much as I would like to. I’m so busy making pots and… there are only 24 hours in a day.

 

 

7. How would you describe your style of Ceramics?

Minimalistic with a Scandinavian touch..

 

8. Do you have a favourite flower?

I love perennials, the ones that you can find around old cottages, for example Astrantia, Digitalis and Aquilegia.

 

9. What is the advice you would give to someone who is studying or teaching ceramics?

Make sure you sit properly at the wheel. Move a bit further away from the wheel. Put your hair up and cut your nails short.

 

10. Do you have any good ceramics secrets / tips to share?

If you want to learn to throw on the pottery wheel you need to practice a lot at the beginning. Don’t focus on making nice pots straight away. Make one cup, throw it away (recycling bucket), make another cup etc. Repeat over and over again!

 

 

11. What is ahead in your ceramics future?

I am taking part in a glaze course with Linda Bloomfield in London this summer, which I am looking forward to very much. Glaze chemistry is so difficult! I hope to buy a gas kiln in the future. Today I fire in an electric kiln.

 

12. For flower lovers – where would you recommend they visit in Luxembourg in a 24 hour visit?  

That’s a good question! I like the flowers from Botanika in Hobscheid and from Kapenaker Blooms in Wormeldange.

 

Business Details

Website: deliadettmer.com

Instagram: @delia.dettmer

Contact Delia via email at: [email protected]

Delia’s home studio is available to visit by appointment on evenings and weekends.

Visit our Luxembourg Flower Club page to get to know the other Luxembourg businesses and upcoming events.