Artist Spotlight: Christophe Donot

Why ceramics—what does working with clay mean to you?

Since I was little, I’ve always seen things in 3D. The way an object takes up space—not just by itself, but also in relation to the movement and space around it—has always fascinated me. Clay offers an incredible versatility to create and express a message in three dimensions.

 

I’ve always been drawn to both art and science, and ceramics brings the two together perfectly. I often use the science behind ceramics as a way to express my art.

 

I tried many different mediums, but clay is the one I connected with most deeply for these reasons.

 

Your journey in the Throwdown and beyond

I applied to the Throwdown because my partner kept encouraging me. At the time, I had only been doing ceramics for a year, and I never imagined I’d make it all the way through the selection process.

 

Being part of it gave me the chance to connect more deeply with this rich community.

 

Since then, I’ve been exploring new ways to express my work and to define who I am as a ceramicist, while embracing the fact that my practice has always been quite eclectic.

 My work is gradually gaining recognition, and I’ve been selected to exhibit at events such as *Paris Design Week* in 2023 and *New Designers Selects* in 2024, in a curated showcase by Louisa Pacifico.

 

How much does the natural world mean to you and what are you conveying with your sculptures?

Without the natural world, there is no life, including ours. Yet we face so many issues where people spend vast amounts of time trying to find solutions.

 

We are only beginning to understand the impact of our frantic development—and even then, we’ve barely scratched the surface. When we think about long-term damage, we’re really just seeing the tip of the iceberg. I believe that, as humans, we need to start focusing more on what the planet needs rather than on our immediate wants. Our existence depends on it.

 

Scientists raise awareness about climate change, but their messages can be hard for the public to absorb. I believe artists play a vital role in making these ideas more accessible—engaging audiences on an emotional level and telling stories that connect us to these urgent issues. That is what I aim to do with my work.

 

Through sculpting, I reflect this era’s impact by fragmenting and distorting forms—using 3D “pixels” as a visual metaphor for our fractured relationship with nature. These pixelated forms represent humanity’s role in the decline of species and the erosion of our natural world.

 

 

 

What do you like about markets?

Markets are a wonderful opportunity to connect with other artists and share work directly with people. I’m always amazed by the creativity around me and by how differently artists can express themselves through the same medium.

 

I also love the enthusiasm of visitors. Watching people interact with an object—turning it over, holding it, imagining it in their homes—is always a special experience.

 

What are your thoughts on the ceramic scene? Has it grown since you started? Do you think more people are buying handmade now, and why?

In today’s fast-paced world, people are looking to reconnect—with their communities, with original products, and with meaningful experiences. I think ceramics plays a big role in this shift.

 

When we buy something handmade, it’s often because we feel an emotional connection to it. There’s nothing quite like owning an object that carries emotion and joy. Even something as simple as drinking your morning coffee feels different from a handmade mug compared to a manufactured one—it becomes a ritual rather than just a routine.

 

Any plans for the future?

I’m currently developing new ways to express my art, which I hope to share with a wider audience and on a bigger stage.

The future as an artist is always uncertain, but I believe that if we don’t try, we don’t move forward. So for me, it’s about keeping the momentum and continuing to explore.