Tontouristen Kollektiv

What is it?
This collective of ceramic artists, based in Sweden, creates spaces for artistic interventions and conversations around the origin of clay. Unsure of where their clay in neat plastic bags came from, and intrigued by the gap between clay being seen as handmade, and the reality of a finite material being dug out of the earth, this collective embarked on a journey to understand the complexities of this material better.

They first started in Westerwald area in Germany, one of the most extensive clay deposits in the world, where over 15 different kinds of clay are mined and shipped to the rest of the world. There, the Tontouristen Kollektiv documented their findings, using photos, videos, words and movements to explore the connection between nature and industry.

In their upcoming project, they will travel to Limoges and Sèvres in France to explore porcelain production. The discovery of usable porcelain mines in the middle of the 18th century in Limoges allowed Sèvres to become one of the major porcelain manufacturers in Europe.

Why do I recommend it?
This collective of artists draws attention to the environment and social impact of clay extraction and manufacture. Their visits of mines highlight the environmental damage, and their visits or production centres show the social impacts of production booming and declining, leaving behind empty shops and closed family businesses.
I believe it is important for us makers, but also for customers to understand how objects are made, and where they come from, so that we can collectively make choices for ourselves and future generations.