MARGOT THYSSEN
Margot Thyssen is a creative ceramicist and designer based in Belgium, celebrated for her expertise in multi-layer slip casting. She skillfully works with two to eleven layers of porcelain—such as white-black-white—mastering firing temperatures and times to enhance transparency. The colored intermediate layers reveal fine lines or patterns that dance between the white porcelain, resulting in delicate yet striking visual effects.
Margot’s work embodies a constant quest for purity and harmony, balancing detail and simplicity. By focusing on basic shapes and the interplay of light, lines, and patterns, she pushes the boundaries of transparency and perfection, seeking the delicate balance between fine art and functional design.
Margot Thyssen festival program
Friday August 21
PERFORMANCE STAGE – 10:30-18:30
Casting various objects using the multi-layer slipcasting technique
Saturday August 22
PERFORMANCE STAGE – 10:30-13:30
MAIN STAGE – 14:30-17:30 demonstration
At the heart of her demonstration lies the captivating technique of porcelain multi-layer slipcasting. Margot reveals how this method allows her to create complex, delicate forms by building up layers of colored and plain porcelain slip—each layer adding depth, texture, and visual intrigue.
On Friday, she casts a series of objects live, walking you through every step of the process—from mixing and pouring slips to timing the layers and managing the molds. On Saturday, these freshly cast pieces take center stage, as she finishes and refines them in front of the audience, demonstrating how each layer contributes to the final form.
Margot shares her approach to working with porcelain: from selecting the right clay body to understanding shrinkage, deformation, and the role of moisture. She also explains how she incorporates ceramic stains to introduce subtle or bold color variations within the layers.
Her process is both technical and intuitive, grounded in years of experience with the unique demands of porcelain. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced ceramicist, her demonstration offers valuable insight into one of the most refined and expressive casting techniques in contemporary ceramics.