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.
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
