In the Studio of Marie Breyen Hauschildt: An Island of Glass and Quiet Contemplation

Nestled in the vibrant city of Århus, Denmark, the small yet poetic studio of glass artist Marie Breyen Hauschildt stands as a testament to the power of a dedicated workspace. Despite its humble size, the studio exudes peace and inspiration, even in the heart of the city. I sat down with Marie to discuss her creative process, her inspirations, and her latest creation for GENTAG

Q: Marie, can you describe the significance of having a dedicated studio space for your work?

Marie: Having a studio is essential for me as an artist. It's a place where I can gather my thoughts deliberately. My desk, which I consider a creative, ritualistic altar, is where I draw much inspiration from the process itself and the objects I place on it.

Q: Your studio is in the city center of Århus, yet it feels like a sanctuary. How do you create such a peaceful atmosphere in an urban setting?

Marie: My studio is a small room, very humble, but it's filled with poetry and peace. I carefully choose items, like books, that hold a story and a spark of inspiration. This eclectic mix creates a serene environment that helps me focus and be creative.

Q: You draw inspiration from objects with inherent power. Can you tell us more about this?

Marie: I am very inspired by objects that hold some kind of power, which is a theme in many of my projects, like "The Things We Cannot See." These objects, whether they're tangible or abstract, carry a sense of mystery and significance that fuels my creativity.

Q: Let's talk about your collaboration with GENTAG. What was your vision for the object you created?

Marie: The object I created for GENTAG is all about fostering creativity. I wanted to design something that could inspire and be functional for people in their own special space. Whether it's holding pencils, flowers, or incense, the piece is shaped by its purpose, rather than made for it.

Q: Do you have any daily rituals that help you start your creative process?

Marie: Yes, every morning, I knock on a vintage weather barometer. I'm always excited to see the weather for the day. The interaction with the subtle words like rain, sun, wind, and clouds gives me soothing start to my day.

The first creation between Marie Breyen Hauschildt and GENTAG can be purchased here.

making space for creative flow: a conversation with Ceramist Elise Momsen

Elise's life is an ode to intentionality and the slower pace of living. Nestled in Southern Funen, Denmark, her studio serves as her sanctuary. Although she initially graduated as an industrial designer from Kolding Design School, her heart was drawn to the meditative practice of ceramics, where she found her true calling.

Vintage dress, curated by GENTAG

in connection with our collaboration, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Elise to learn more about her life and the meaning of "GENTAG" (which translates to "repeat" in English) in her creative journey.

Elise's story takes an interesting turn as she shares her dedication to sleep as a form of creative nourishment. She emphasizes the importance of rest and ritual in her life, a habit she's stubbornly clung to, even after becoming a mother. This dedication has led her to question contemporary sleeping patterns and create her own "sleep sanctuary" room, a space solely dedicated to recharging her energy as both a mother and a creative.

Becoming a mother has heightened Elise's awareness of the value of taking breaks, putting away distractions, and cherishing moments spent with her child. Her journey as a ceramist has its own rhythm—a circular movement that brings her peace. The wheel becomes a metaphor for life's circularity, the repetitious practice of molding clay into beautiful objects, one rotation at a time. With each turn of the wheel, Elise finds herself becoming more present and refining her craft. For her, this is what GENTAG truly means: the art of repetition, the power of intention, and the embodiment of authenticity in every creation.

The first collaborative creation between GENTAG and Elise is a set of black ceramic cups that transcend their conventional purpose. Elise's design philosophy was driven by the desire to create objects that could serve multiple functions. These cups are not just vessels for your favorite cortado or cappuccino; they are versatile containers for pencils, flowers, or anything your imagination desires. The playful twist in their shape not only adds a unique touch but also offers the possibility of using the shape itself as a handle or an intriguing design element.

See the collaboration here