Adam Knoche
Adam Knoche is a ceramic artist living and working in the USA. He is drawn to the color, texture, and feel of clay. The way in which clay records the mark of the touch shows a raw gesture of movement of the maker. This emotive connection to object making predates historical record keeping and holds its roots to the deepest parts of human nature and desire.
If you had access to all the powers, how would you improve the world?
I would improve the world by cleaning our water systems, eliminating trash and create a holistic sustainable lifestyle for every human being that is based on how nature thrives. End all wars and spread love throughout the world.
What are the biggest sustainability challenges in your work and how are you addressing them?
Ceramics is a medium that can have a large carbon foot print with materials that are imported from around the world. Porcelain from China, Spodumene from Australia, Nepheline Syenite from Norway and many other materials that are taken for granted the logistics of their origins. I use excavated clay, foraged minerals and locally sourced colorants and materials. I also, recycle everything from clay to glazes to even old bisque ware, which I pulverize into grog for clay.
Which conscious lifestyle choices are you making? And are you considering any new ones?
I try to live a humble and grateful lifestyle and maintain a vegetarian diet. I am a bit of a workaholic, so I have started to take more time for my health and well being through meditation and running.
What have you rebelled against in the past, and what are you rebelling against now?
Exploitation of the environment.
Do you think tableware can still be improved? If yes, in what way?
Absolutely, If we aren’t improving then what are we doing. I see art in any form as combining what exists into what has never existed before. I believe makers should never settle but continue to experiment and push the boundaries of their ideas and methods. Art should never be static or stagnant.
What was the inspiration for your Steinbeisser pieces?
The inspiration for my work comes from memories of both the natural world and memories I have of various sites in nature and life. I see the work as being in discourse with how we as humans perceive our environment.
Describe your work in 3 words!
Raw. Experimental. Contemporary.
What kind of materials do you use and where do you get them from?
I use raw earth toned clays that are pulverized into powders. I use scraps that are leftover from projects and use anything I can find to create artwork. I hate seeing good materials wasted and thrown away. I get my materials from both foraging in the environment and purchased from a local clay supplier in Dallas, TX.
What has been your favorite dinner experience?
On the Island of Santorini, Greece overlooking the Caldera in Thira. It was a sublime view of an ancient volcano in the middle of the Aegean Sea. Great wine, incredibly fresh seafood and a spectacular view and great company.
What excites you about tomorrow?
Creating something I’ve never made before, whether that is artwork or a life experience.
What are your 3 favorite pieces on Jouw…?
The Site Plates by Myung Urso, the Wine Glasses by Jochen Holz, and the A.D.O. Plates by Lillian Tørlen.