Shaping the Unspoken: The Creative Process and Art of Anders Hald

Photo taken in Hald’s studio where his sculptures are showen together with glaze samples

Text by: Magdalena Maria Smoła

Last month, during my internship at SKOG gallery, I had the delightful privilege of visiting the studio of an upcoming artist whose work will soon grace the gallery's walls. Anders Hald in SKOG (vernissage 16 November 2023). This encounter provided me with a unique opportunity to converse with the artist and gain insights into his creative process, which I am eager to share with you today.

In recent weeks, I've had the chance to engage with various artists, but Anders left an indelible mark on me. He exudes a remarkable sensitivity that allows him to breathe life into captivating narratives and values through his art. Hailing from Denmark, Anders is currently residing in Oslo, where he studies at the Academy of Art, specializing in ceramics. His journey to becoming a celebrated artist wasn't a linear one. Before enrolling at the Academy of Fine Arts, he pursued a path in design, primarily working with wood. His creations, while striking, leaned more towards art than functional design. After completing his studies, Hald worked as an assistant to ceramic artists, enriching his knowledge of the medium. Eventually, he found his way to the Academy of Fine Arts in Oslo, where he continues to study and hone his craft.

Hald's sculptures are minimalist in design, often resembling two-dimensional compositions made up of separate planes. While they may appear simple, they are rich in texture. The artist pays meticulous attention to the surfaces of his sculptures, as each fingerprint and detail tells a story on a ceramic surface. Anders' ceramics boast a wealth of textures concealed beneath their glaze, meticulously crafted with an acute awareness of each detail. He uses a limited color palette, with most of his works being covered in a single color. The glaze he applies changes the texture of the surface, emphasizing the unique shape of each sculpture that was before carefully modulated.

During our conversation, Anders shared his approach to sculpting. Clay, a remarkably malleable medium, readily molds under his skilled fingers. It has both advantages and disadvantages, capturing every touch and impression like a journalist who records a story on its surface. For Hald, it's imperative that the story is conveyed authentically. He does not aim to alter it but rather allows the material's innate characteristics to bring forth the narrative. This is why he meticulously experiments with a variety of glazes to impart different surfaces to his sculptures, ensuring that they help reinforce what the clay has to say, not conceal it.

Photo taken in Hald’s studio showing the diversity of the glazes

Though Anders shifted from his design career, wood remains an integral part of his artistic expression. He ingeniously marries ceramics and woodworking, drawing inspiration from ancient printing techniques. He employs wooden boards, intricately carving motifs, and adorning them with ceramics.

Hald is an artist who follows his instincts, allowing his fingers to shape the clay freely, without imposing any boundaries. Notably, he confided in me that he seldom starts with a clear message in mind for his works. Instead, his pieces guide him towards discovering what's essential to him and what he wishes to communicate. Through an intuitive and liberating process, Anders arrives at profound insights. He emphasized that if he were to begin with a predetermined message, he would not even care to start making the sculpture. His art affords him personal growth and self-discovery.

The work of the artist touches on various topics, but a common thread runs through his creations - Anders focuses on what it means to be human and the intricacies of interpersonal relationships. His sculptures depict a wide range of emotions and delve into the complexities of existing as a human being in society.

Our conversations with Anders often gravitated towards spiritual themes, highlighting the contemporary tendency to overlook these crucial aspects of our existence. As human beings, we possess more than just physical needs; there are deeper dimensions to our being. Art has historically served as a bridge to connect with the spiritual realm, fulfilling what we lack in our material lives. In the ancient art, gold was used to mark the importance of a wholly work, and that is why in some of the sculptures of the artist we're discussing, we may also find golden glazes. Hald' work frequently serves as a poignant reminder that as individuals, we require more than material possessions; we also need a sense of community, emotional depth and self-awareness.

As we eagerly anticipate his forthcoming exhibition, we can look forward to breathtaking clay sculptures, a rich tapestry of textures, and a profound narrative exploring the intricacies of human existence and the essence of our relationships within society. May this exhibition serve as a reminder of matter in our lives.

Anders hald in action

 Read more about Anders hald’s exhibition in SKOG here