Artist Bio / Statement

I am a ceramic designer, working between two worlds—where the quiet, functional beauty of Scandinavian design meets the ancient craft of Jingdezhen porcelain. It is in this intersection that I find my voice, shaping each piece not as an object, but as an invitation—to pause, to feel, to appreciate the simplest forms and the most delicate traditions.

In Sweden, we learn early that beauty lies not in extravagance but in the small, subtle details—the curve of a line, the coolness of a surface, the weight of an object in your hand. It is a beauty that does not shout, but speaks softly, persistently, through everyday life. Jingdezhen porcelain, on the other hand, whispers of a long history, of skill passed down through generations, of the reverence for imperfection in a perfect world. Together, they come to speak in a language all their own, one that transcends borders and time.

Each piece I create carries with it the carefulness of Scandinavian design, where simplicity serves not only as form, but as function. Yet it also carries the fragility and grace of Jingdezhen porcelain, speaking to a deeper, ancient craft—both humble and complex. In my work, I seek not just to create, but to connect: to bring together the old and the new, the Scandinavian and the Chinese, to form something that quietly resonates with those who encounter it.

These are objects not merely to be looked at, but to be held, touched, lived with. My ceramics are for life—small, beautiful things that remind us of the grace found in the simplest acts: a moment of stillness, a pause in the rush of time.

My Journey

My journey began as many do, with the quiet pull of something unknown. As a child, I watched my parents—my mother, a graphic artist, and my father, a painter—work with an attentiveness that left an imprint on me. It was in the act of creating that I learned to look, really look, at the world: at the way light falls, at the space between things, at the small details that so often go unnoticed. But it was a visit to the studio of sculptor Bror Hjorth that first captured my heart. His works, full of color and texture, awakened in me a longing for the malleability of clay, its potential for transformation.

At 17, I began to study pottery, and soon, Denmark beckoned. The Design Academy in Copenhagen offered me a place to refine my craft, to deepen my understanding of form, material, and design. Yet it was China that called me next. There, I found not only the softest porcelain but also a connection to the past, to a culture where art and life are intertwined in ways I had not imagined. My exploration of porcelain and paper-cutting techniques during my time there brought me closer to the essence of what I wish to achieve in my own work—a balance of beauty, history, and functionality.

Through the blending of these two traditions—Scandinavian simplicity and the rich craftsmanship of Jingdezhen porcelain—I strive to create pieces that resonate with the spirit of both worlds. In each creation, I hope to offer more than just an object, but a connection—an invitation to reflect on the small, beautiful moments that make up our daily lives.

E-mail: info_at_agnesfries.com

Jingdezhen atelier is located in The Sculpture Factory Kindergarten

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Stockholm atelier is located in Aspudden

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Mailing address: Agnes Fries, Maskinistgatan 15, SE-117 66 Stockholm, Sweden

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Represented by:

Na Space, Jingdezhen

O Gallery, Beijing

Seen in:

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