Hoogland Niek

Born and raised in a town that owed its name and existence to the clay that is dug there.

Red clay, sediment of the rivers Maas and Rhine.

Red clay, for bricks, pipes and roof tiles.

But also for the Tegelen earthenware that was famous far beyond the country’s borders.

Earthenware from Tegelen, red clay, covered with a white slip.  After drying, the unfired clay is painted with coloured slips. Painting is done with brushes and slip trailers. Sgraffitto techniques are also used to scratch away the covering slip so the underlying clay can be seen.

After painting, the work is bisque-fired to 900 °C.

When the kiln has cooled down the work can be glazed and will be fired a second time to 1100 °C.

It is then that the work gets its final colour and gloss.

The work has a strong regional character. The way of working and the technique are closely related to the Nieder Rhine earthenware tradition. Motives are from the surrounding area, the river Maas being a constant source of inspiration.

Supported by this tradition “I am making contemporary ceramics, be it either one-offs, utilitarian ware made in small series or commemorative dishes for special occasions.”