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Berengere Lux | Ceramicist
A serendipitous conversation led designer turned ceramicist Berengere Lux to leave the world of fashion accessories for a new life in clay. She draws on her background in fashion and jewelry for her charming collections of decorative objects. She talks Cabana through her process.
How did you begin?
In 2022 I was closing down my custom jewelry brand and was quite distressed about it, until an artist friend of mine who is also a bit of a "witch" told me that she felt I needed to put my hands in clay. At the time I was rather surprised about her comment but also intrigued as I always loved ceramics and already collected a few pieces.
A few months later, my friend booked me a lesson in a ceramic studio on the outskirts of Milan. And so, a bit reluctantly, I felt obliged to go; I have never left the studio since.
How did you learn?
With no prior pottery skills I was lucky to be the only student at this newly-opened studio and therefore immediately started to learn to model more sophisticated shapes. I surely cut corners compared to a more classical approach, which was probably quite lucky as I am a very impatient and instinctive person.
The first piece I made was a rather complicated vase in terms of shape and colors, but I got so excited that I had succeeded in making it. Something clicked in me and I felt I had found my new vocation. And from that very first vase I started to get commissioned by clients with amazing interiors and art collections. I was so honored, I couldn't believe it.
Everything went very fast after that so I decided to create a small collection of decorative objects, from vases and candle holders to wall sconces and mirrors.
How do you plan, prepare and create your works?
I usually work on commissions as it does take me a few months to create a piece. So far my clientele has entrusted me with a total creative freedom. Sometimes if possible I visit their home and we can talk about a color scheme as a starting point. But as I always insist, the art of ceramic is completely unpredictable and impossible to fully control. Especially since my style is definitely characterized by countless glazes often fired in multiple stages presenting a rich array of colors and textures.
Since the very beginning I have been quite ambitious in trying out shapes and colors schemes. I am still very much in the learning process but what I love about ceramic is that often out of a "catastrophe" there is a triumph around the corner...!
Who or what most influences your work?
My fashion and jewellery background totally transpires in my pieces. Since I designed and worked in fashion accessories for most of my career I think of my pieces as ornaments for the interior. The same way you will complete your look with a beautiful pair of earrings I am now thinking of accessorizing a table or a wall.
I am also very much influenced by textiles and prints, as my mother is an interior designer, I grew up surrounded by piles of fabric samples that my mother would master in mix and matching. I therefore can get inspired by a piece of fabric or a print and will start from there. Actually, my moodboards are somehow very similar to the ones I use to make for my fashion jewellery line.
In terms of shapes, needless to say that nature and in particular flowers are a constant source of inspiration. A friend of mine once told me once that my pieces reminded her of Gabriele D'Anunzio aesthetic, sensual and decadent, I thought it was the best compliment!
Interview by Martina Seghi Recli
Images from Berengere Lux
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