Since practicing as an architect for 15 years, Christophe Donot pivoted his career in 2021 to become a ceramicist. In an exclusive interview he offers ICON an insight into his creative journey so far.
The Large Tilted Ice Melting Moonjar by Christophe Donot which alludes to the issues of climate change. Photography: Christophe Donot
Words by Roddy Clarke
Switching careers can often be a daunting move to make but for Christophe Donot, who made the move from architecture to ceramics in 2021 after 15 years in practice, he embraced the change with open arms. Though having no prior experience in working with clay, the London-based French ceramicist says how his time as an architect paid dividends in informing his use and application of the material. “Deep down, I knew this would be something I would enjoy,” he states, “and architecture certainly helped me to throw myself into this wonderful craft and shapes the way I make ceramics today.” Also drawing from his years as a teenager and young adult where he spent his time painting and exhibiting in small local galleries in France, Donot reveals how he has now fallen in love with the medium of clay.
French ceramicist Christophe Donot turned to the medium in 2021 after 15 years practicing as an architect. Photography: Christophe Donot
From starting on a small wheel in his living room during lockdown, alongside embarking on a number of ceramics classes, Donot subsequently ended up as a contestant on The Great Pottery Throwdown in 2023. “Since the show, I have worked on developing a strong concept to convey a wider message through my creations,” he says while explaining how his pieces, both functional and decorative, are completely unique yet share a common narrative. “This body of work relates to the fast changes affecting our environment.” Through sculpting and throwing large vessels, each piece he creates features intentional cracking and deformations to allude to the melting of ice caps while the defragmenting and ‘pixelating’ of certain pieces represent humanity’s role in the decline of species. Through this deliberate breaking and altering of the ceramic itself, Donot’s provocative approach finds a sensitive balance between art, design and craft, with the result having a deep and powerful impact that resonates today more than ever.
Donot’s work shares a common thread of addressing environmental issues – a topic that he states can be mindfully addressed through the power of art. Photography: Christophe Donot
Embracing the unexpected, Donot goes on to say how he continuously explores the science of ceramics, like combining different types of clay for instance. And, thanks to this experimental approach, his work has garnered interest on a global level with it being selected for an array of exhibitions showcased at events such as Paris Design Week in 2023 and New Designers Selects in 2024 in a curated showcase from Louisa Pacifico. The ceramicist has also received a London Potters annual makers award.
Revealing how his environmental passion has had a direct impact on his own practice, Donot explains how it has driven him towards more circular processes. “One of the beauties with ceramics is, if you don’t fire clay, you can reclaim it and rework it anytime,” he says. “I tend to reclaim everything, from the clay settled at the bottom of my bucket to reusing the clear water at the top. Firing also has many uncontrollable factors that often leads to accidents and therefore discarded work.” In accepting these ‘accidents’ on purpose, Donot hopes to draw attention to the unbalanced world in which we live. “Consequently, I create less waste, and my acceptance of imperfection perfectly expresses my message. If an idea really doesn’t work, I keep the broken pieces to incorporate into a new artwork. I have a bucketful of shards in my studio, waiting for the right idea to use them. Or I can decide to grind them to create a glaze. Nothing is wasted.”
His work is symbolic in representing the imminent danger that many global ecosystems are facing such as the polar ice caps as shown here in the Sliding Ice Jar. Photography: Christophe Donot
The ceramicist’s ardent commitment to raising awareness is admirable and is a topic he feels needs urgent attention. “We are only starting to examine the effect our frantic development has made and, when considering the long-term damage, we still only understand the tip of the iceberg. I think, as humans, we now need to focus on what the planet needs, before our own immediate needs. Our existence depends upon it.” Looking at the way art can be a powerful force for change, Donot continues. “Scientists are raising awareness about climate change, but this can sometimes be difficult for the public to understand. I believe artists can have a valuable role in making these messages more accessible. We have the power to engage our audience on an emotional level and to tell stories as a means of connecting with the issue. This is what I am trying to do today.”
Donot hopes to inspire other emerging artists and makers to stay true to their own individual purpose. Photography: Christophe Donot
Hoping to continue his outreach in galleries and exhibitions worldwide, Donot is zealous in his efforts to ensure his message connects with as many people as possible. “I am planning to go bigger and bolder with my work, breaking more rules in the way I produce it, to express rules humankind needs to follow or create for the sake of our planet.” And, in staying true to his values, he hopes it will also inspire other creatives to stay focused on their individual purpose. “We can very quickly get pulled away from a strong idea, just to produce work to sell that we think people will like,” he concludes. “So, find your path; be bold, and stick to what you love to do.”
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