It started as a hobby in a private basement room: Saskia Gaulke was looking for a balance to her stressful life as an event photographer and started making pottery. But the hobby made big waves: She sold her bowls, plates and mugs via Instagram and met with a great response. Her ceramics were always sold out in a short space of time. Gaulke therefore decided to leave her basement at home and set up her own label: Sia Noir. Named after Sia, the Egyptian goddess of wisdom and knowledge. And Noir because she works a lot with black clay.

Ceramics are now created on the wheel in her studio. It takes around ten steps from the first lump of clay to the finished product. After turning and trimming the shape, the finished piece rests for one to two weeks to dry as slowly as possible. Only then is it fired for the first time. This is followed by glazing to seal everything well. After a day, the product is returned to the kiln. Clay therefore needs a lot of rest and patience - it can take three weeks before a clay cup can be drunk from at the breakfast table, for example. Gaulke uses bright colors, pastels and a golden sheen for the glazes. She deliberately plays with the contrast to the black clay and the gray concrete structure of the material. The designer's designs are inspired by her travels and her interest in ceramic and art history. The finished products are available in the online store. Gaulke also offers regular workshops in her studio in Dortmund for anyone who would like to try their hand at the wheel.

www.sianoir.de

Photos:

Saskia Gaulke
Anja Behrens

(Published in CUBE Ruhr Area 02|22)