Arjan van Dal (1974) is a Dutch potter based in London, working primarily in porcelain. His work finds itself at the crossroads of craft, art and design. The departure point is a skills based approach. The outcome looks almost manufactured and is detailed and precise. Subtle features reveal the handmade nature of the pieces. 

Form and colour are the central elements in his work. The white porcelain as a medium is coloured and shaped, mostly on the potter’s wheel. The final pieces are polished intensively for a highly tactile experience and to increase the perception of the colour depth embedded in the material.

Arjan came back to ceramics after an initial career in (inter-)governmental organizations, amongst others within UNESCO and several Dutch ministries. During meetings in conference rooms he daydreamed about working with his hands and making tangible things. He made a radical career change, moved to London and set up his studio in 2015. Since then he has exhibited amongst others at the Venice Design Biennial 2023, London Design Festival 2019 and the International Craft Week in China. You can find his work in selected UK galleries.

His love for clay started when he took up ceramics as a creative outlet for his engineering and philosophy studies. For five years he spent his Saturdays in the studio of Raymundus van Kessel, a monk working from a monastery in the Dutch countryside. 

That same Dutch countryside is reflected in his work. The strong lines and geometric patterns are clearly present in his form language. For those interested, look up ‘Heusden, the Nehterlands’ and you get an idea.

His love for modernist design, often based on geometry and clarity of concept, resonates in his work. The form language of Ettore Sottsass and the playful concepts of Enzo Mari are continuing inspirations. The final aim is to create 

Creating work that through simplicity of form and austere handling of the material communicates honesty and joy with a refined touch.