Vessels are among the first human inventions and some of the oldest human made objects to survive. And so have the techniques how to make them. Ancient materials, forged together in hellish heat over long periods of time, carefully so, often by entire communities.
Vessels were a crucial invention to hold precious goods and liquids for transport and storage. Being able to bring goods like liquids back to our kin is among the things that created stronger bonds and secured our survival. Sharing, caring and paying attention to each other and the world ultimately made us human. Until today sharing a drink or a meal while having a conversation together is still considered one of the most cultured and connecting activities we can engage in.

Small ceramic vessels are part of everybody’s daily routines, however the omnipresent industrially manufactured objects are rarely valued for more than their function or maybe a sentimental memory. A handcrafted, unique vessel on the other hand, brings the attention to the moment, the senses and to beauty. As an artist, giving true care and attention to the creation of a vessel is an expression of love and of connection.

Giving someone a vessel that has been carefully crafted in a painstakingly elaborate process, expresses something of amazing value. It is passing on of something that on one hand has a seemingly clear function, and on the other hand is a manifestation of creativity, skill and beauty.

The vessels in this exhibition are delicate objects of art to bring joy and connection to your daily life. They are also pieces of earth and sand, melted together into objects that could be around on this planet thousands of years to come.

It is really up to us how we see things. While sipping precious liquid from a carefully crafted vessel we can wonder how the components of the clay, the layers of glaze and its composition came together. How the Sake was brewed in a similarily dadicated and elaborte process. How they taste together. And how they found us. How we all found each other. How our paths have crossed.
Reflecting on this may open our hearts, allowing us to enjoy and appreciate this moment. And strengthen our ability to be comfortable with ourselves and with others. And that’s probably why we are here for.
Witold Riedel, November 2025, Ajuda, Lisbon