Vibe Berland and Hans-Henning Pedersen: Unique and innovative craftsmanship inspired by nature

The island of Bornholm has a rich history of arts and crafts, and a vibrant creative community. It is widely known for handmade products inspired by extraordinary nature and diverse landscapes. Two well-regarded local craftsmen and artisan producers, ceramicist Vibe Berland and wood smith Hans-Henning Pedersen, are continuing the long tradition of creating original, handcrafted pieces.

In 2017, the island of Bornholm was awarded the prestigious title World Craft Region, a nod of international respect to its exceptional arts culture and imaginative craftsmanship. The textures, light and colours of the land, and the edges and curves of the cliffs inspire artists and creatives from many different walks of life. The island exudes a sense of creativity, community and inventive spirit, and the exclusive handcrafted artisan products made here are a huge draw for tourists.

Single wood pot. Photo: Hans Henning Pedersen

Making dreams a reality

“I moved to Bornholm 36 years ago, dreaming about making beautiful ceramics inspired by the nature around me,” says Berland, whose work reflects the island’s natural silhouettes, surfaces, and shades.

“My first workshop was in the rural north, and I made decorative, useful things and one-of-a-kind pieces,” she says. “Over time, I realised that I could not make a living so remotely, so to become more ‘visible’ I decided to move to Svaneke.”

The change in scenery has paid off. Each of Berland’s unique pieces expresses the nature and landscapes of the island, containing in their form a little bit of Bornholm.

Unika bowl. Photo: Vibe Berland

A little bit wonky

In his woodworking, Pedersen never aims for uniform perfection. “I like unattractive looking trees, with imperfections and oddities,” he says. “I love wonky things and have always felt driven by a child-like joy.”

His distinctive wooden bowls are made using newly-felled old trees, which have a higher water content. When he has shaped the wood on his lathe, the bowls are left to dry and truly come into their own, as the tension in the wood creates organic forms and shapes. “Wood is a living material, which doesn’t always do what you expect it to,” he says, describing the joys of the medium. “You must work with the material, not against it, and it is never boring!” A carpenter by trade, he now creates his striking pieces purely as a hobby and is a dedicated craftsman with an infectious passion for his work. Just as the wood “does its own thing”, so too does Pedersen.

Unika filigran bowl. Photo: Anders Beier.

Collaborating creative craftsmen

Berland and Pedersen sell their artisan creations in Berland’s shop in Svaneke, among other places. Neither describe themselves as artists, but identify as highly-skilled craftsmen, who take pride in the techniques that their respective crafts require. “Just because you are meant to be useful doesn’t mean that you can’t also be beautiful,” Berland says.

Whilst beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder there is no doubt that they both create remarkable pieces of work. “I am a practical person and I create practical things with my hands,” she explains, defining her role as a creative maker rather than an artist.

Not one of Pedersen’s quirky wooden bowls are identical, nor are any of Berland’s ceramic pieces, whether delicate or robust, the same. Every item is handmade and springs from a genuine and unfettered love of nature and the creative process.

“Wood and clay are beautiful side by side – they almost belong together,” Berland says. The work of both creatives is rooted in the nature of the island and it seems instinctive to exhibit their pieces together. Sharing a shop has been a great experience for both and, whilst their pieces are very different, they complement each other. “We are not partners in the business or in our work, but we work together brilliantly,” says Pedersen.

Hands on. Photo: Hans Henning Pedersen

Re-focus on creativity

“I want to share the joy I feel when working with clay and glazes, and to let go of the more production-focused aspect of my current ceramic work,” Berland says. Her vision now is to focus on experimenting and creating; having fulfilled her earlier dreams of ‘making it’ as a ceramicist, she is ready to continue her journey.

Large wood pots. Photo: Hans Henning Pedersen

“I want to create more beautiful items for exhibitions, not just for the tourist season,” she says. Her ultimate dream would be to tour an exhibition around Europe, opening her mind to new opportunities. “It is really exciting and anything could happen!” she adds.

The creative duo’s shared passion for craftsmanship and the abundant natural beauty of Bornholm is powerful. The combination of Berland’s drive, creativity and spirit, and Pedersen’s unique and uncompromising approach is sure to spark great things.

Artists’ portrait. Photo: Vibe Berland

Web: www.traesmedengudhjem.dk
www.vibeberland.dk
Instagram: @vibeberlandkeramik

Read more about Bornholm as World Craft Region:

www.makersisland.bornholm.dk
Instagram: @makers_island_ bornholm

Vibe Berland & Træsmeden
Værkstedsbutikken
Bykilden 1, Svaneke
Bornholm
+45 60331330