Dutch ceramist Marieke van Heesbeen went in search of the perfect combination of shapes to hold up our Halo Soap. A playful take on the relationship between form and function.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
I draw inspiration from the things that surround me. From the whimsical shapes of trimmed boxwoods to the simplicity of everyday objects found in the cycle, even the pipes that connect factories. The world itself is an endless archive of forms that fuels my creativity.

HOW DO YOU TYPICALLY APPROACH STARTING A NEW PROJECT?
I have an ever-growing archive of shapes that I playfully stack and combine. The design evolves throughout the process. I find joy in the art of reimagining shapes and discovering their potential for new functions. Through playful experimentation and the art of combining different forms, I strive to breathe life into unique and captivating designs. There are countless combinations yet to be explored, and I love being surprised by the shape and the intricate details that emerge during the process.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR WORK ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
Every shape I create holds an element that brings me joy. The moment when form and colour come together in perfect harmony is what makes me proud.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU FOR THIS COLLABORATION?
The Halo shape served as the starting point for this collaboration. It's a recurring form in my designs, which made it intriguing to seek the ideal balance between the soap and the tray.

HOW DID YOU EMPHASIZE FORM IN THIS COLLABORATION FOR A FUNCTIONAL PRODUCT?
By seeking the perfect harmony between the two forms, I was able to highlight the importance of form in a functional product. I experimented with combining different shapes to find this balance. The outer and inner rings are two inverted half-halos that come together to form the container. The curve inside holds the soap securely in place and keeps it dry between uses.

DO YOU INCORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY INTO YOUR WORK?
Absolutely! With each product I create, there is residual material in the form of unused clay and glaze I allow the clay to dry based on its colour, crush it, and then reconstitute it into new clay. Similarly, I dry the leftover glaze into powder and re-dilute it with the appropriate amount of water. This way, I aim to minimize waste and consciously create new objects.

Marieke's passion for design and her dedication to exploring the endless possibilities of form shine through in every aspect of her work. By drawing inspiration from the world around her and infusing functionality with artistic expression, she creates truly unique and harmonious pieces that not only inspire but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Discover the Soap Tray here.

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