It started as a passion project in a basement studio: Saskia Gaulke, an event photographer seeking refuge from her demanding career, turned to pottery. What began as a creative outlet quickly became something more. Her bowls, plates, and vessels found an eager audience on Instagram, consistently selling out within days. This success sparked a pivotal decision—to transform her basement workspace into a proper studio and launch her own brand: Sia Noir. Named after Sia, the Egyptian goddess of wisdom and insight, with "Noir" reflecting her signature use of black clay.

In her studio, Gaulke creates ceramics on the potter's wheel. Transforming a lump of raw clay into a finished piece requires roughly ten distinct steps. After shaping and trimming, the piece rests for one to two weeks—a deliberate process that allows it to dry slowly and evenly. Only then comes the first firing. Next, she applies glaze to seal the surface, followed by a second kiln firing. The entire process demands considerable patience: three weeks or more can pass before a handmade cup is ready for the breakfast table. When selecting glazes, Gaulke gravitates toward luminous colors, soft pastels, and golden finishes—each chosen to create striking contrast with the black clay body and industrial gray of the material itself. Her design inspiration draws from her travels and deep engagement with ceramic and art history. Finished pieces are available through her online shop, and Gaulke regularly hosts workshops at her Dortmund studio for those eager to experience the wheel themselves.

www.sianoir.de

Photography Credits:

Saskia Gaulke
Anja Behrens

(Published in CUBE Ruhrgebiet 02|22)