Finding the Extraordinary in Everyday Objects: A Look at the Cylindrical Artistry of Bodil Manz

In a world saturated with fleeting trends and mass-produced goods, there’s a certain magic in encountering objects that whisper of intention, skill, and a deep understanding of material. Danish ceramic artist Bodil Manz, now in her 80s, has dedicated her life to transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, primarily through her captivating porcelain cylinders. This article delves into the life and work of this remarkable artist, exploring her journey, techniques, and the enduring appeal of her minimalist yet profound creations.

Early Influences and a Foundation in Clay:

Bodil Manz’s fascination with clay began in childhood, nurtured by both the natural world and her family’s appreciation for fine ceramics. Trips to the clay-rich coastal slopes near her family’s smallholding sparked an early connection with the raw earth, while her mother’s collection of porcelain from renowned makers like Bing & Grøndahl and Saxbo instilled a reverence for the craft.

This innate affinity for clay led her to the studio of sculptor Møller-Petersen as a teenager, solidifying her desire to pursue ceramics as a life path. Further honing her skills under the tutelage of Gutte Eriksen, Manz learned the art of wheel throwing in the Japanese tradition, emphasizing precision and an intimate understanding of form. Eriksen, having spent years in Japan under the guidance of Bernard Leach, imparted a deep respect for the integrity of each piece, famously critiquing Manz’s early work with the words, “She taught me a lot about edges.”

Formal Education and a Shift in Perspective:

Manz’s formal training at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen exposed her to the rich history and traditions of Danish ceramics, where functionality and a connection to the raw material reigned supreme. However, it was during her time as a guest student at the University of California, Berkeley, working with the renowned Peter Voulkos, that her artistic perspective truly blossomed. Voulkos, a pioneer of the American Abstract Expressionist ceramics movement, encouraged a more experimental and individualistic approach, liberating Manz from the constraints of traditionalism.

This pivotal experience, coupled with her exposure to studio porcelain practices in the United States (a stark contrast to the industrial dominance of porcelain production in Denmark), ignited a passion for pushing the boundaries of the medium.

A Shared Artistic Vision: The Collaboration with Richard Manz:

Returning to Denmark with her husband and artistic partner, Richard Manz (whom she met during a stint at the Gustavsberg Porcelain company in Sweden), Bodil established their shared studio in an old schoolhouse in Starreklinte. This idyllic setting, surrounded by rolling fields and bathed in natural light, became the fertile ground for their collaborative endeavors.

Richard’s technical prowess, particularly in the realm of studio porcelain, allowed the couple to explore new creative avenues. They embraced both sculptural and functional work, pushing the limits of porcelain’s potential while maintaining a dedication to craftsmanship and beauty.

The Enduring Allure of the Cylinder: From Function to Artistic Exploration:

While Bodil Manz’s body of work encompasses a diverse range of forms and techniques, it is her iconic cylinders that have garnered international acclaim. These deceptively simple vessels, often described as “light-enhancing,” embody her mastery of porcelain and her minimalist yet deeply resonant aesthetic.

The genesis of the cylinder can be traced back to Manz’s early functional wares, but it was in the 1980s that the form took center stage, evolving into a vehicle for endless artistic exploration. Her cylinders, often cast as thin as paper and as delicate as eggshells, showcase the translucent beauty of porcelain, allowing light and shadow to dance across their surfaces.

Beyond the Visual: Manz’s Technical Mastery:

To fully appreciate the elegance of Manz’s cylinders, one must delve into the intricate technical processes behind their creation. Each piece is born from a meticulous process involving plaster molds, carefully calculated slip casting, and multiple high-temperature firings.

Manz’s signature thinness is achieved through a delicate balance of timing and precision, removing the excess porcelain slip from the mold mere moments after pouring, leaving behind a whisper-thin layer to harden. This technique, while demanding and unforgiving, yields ethereal results, emphasizing the fragility and luminosity of the material.

The decorative elements, often geometric patterns or subtle color blocks, are applied with equal care, using techniques like firing-transfers and hand-cut colored foils. These minimalist interventions, inspired by Manz’s own experiences and explorations of light and form, enhance the interplay of light and shadow, inviting contemplation and a sense of quiet wonder.

Navigating Loss and Embracing New Artistic Horizons:

The passing of Richard Manz in 1999 marked a profound turning point in Bodil’s life and artistic journey. While grappling with personal loss, she also faced the challenge of continuing their shared artistic vision independently.

This period of transition led to a new chapter in her work, characterized by larger-scale sand-cast cylinders and a more expressive use of color and texture. These pieces, imbued with a raw emotional energy, demonstrated Manz’s resilience and her willingness to embrace new possibilities within the familiar language of her craft.

A Legacy of Simplicity, Beauty, and Enduring Curiosity:

Today, Bodil Manz continues to create in her Zealand studio, her passion for the medium undimmed by time. Her cylinders, now encompassing a wider range of shapes, sizes, and surface treatments, stand as a testament to her unwavering dedication to finding the extraordinary within the ordinary.

Manz’s work serves as a powerful reminder that true artistry lies not in grand gestures but in the intimate understanding of material, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the ability to infuse even the simplest of forms with a sense of quiet wonder.

Resources for Further Exploration:

• The Danish Museum of Art & Design: Explore the rich history of Danish design, including ceramics.
• The American Ceramic Society: Discover the world of ceramics through exhibitions, publications, and educational resources.
• The Studio Potter: Delve into the world of studio pottery with this publication dedicated to contemporary ceramic art.