Meet the Maker*: Moritz Popp

Just like the work they create, artists come in many forms. Some are quiet, some are expressive. Some are shaped by years of practice, others by instinct and imagination. Age, experience, and approach all leave their mark. Making space for this range of voices is an important part of sharing art.

For February, we are especially happy to introduce our youngest maker to date. Moritz Popp is nine years old, and the work featured comes from his early explorations with clay. He shares that he first came to the studio with his mum, where he began working with clay and became fascinated by the variety of possibilities it offers.

On display is a small collection of monster hooks, each one shaped by hand and full of personality. Their faces peer out from the wall with crooked noses, wide eyes, and a range of expressions. Some wear nose rings, some don't. Each one is unique and glazed in bold colors. They move easily between sculpture and everyday objects. They are playful, but also useful. Each monster functions as a wall hook, fixed in place through the eyes, ready to hold jackets, bags, or whatever the day brings.

I am fascinated by the variety of possibilities that clay offers.

Moritz Popp

He describes the process simply and honestly, talking about trying lots of things, inventing his own monster faces, some angry, some nice, all of them different. The work also reminds us of another essential part of creating and making. Play. Learning by doing. Letting hands and ideas move faster than judgment. These monster hooks carry that energy with them.

You can see Moritz's monsters looking out onto the street from our studio window at Schiffbaustrasse 9a throughout February. Each hook is priced at CHF 70 and pieces can be reserved if one happens to catch your eye.

Writer's Note: This feature also opens a wider door. At db pottery studio, we believe clay is for all ages. Our cHilden's pottery courses are designed as spaces where young artists can explore, experiment, and build confidence through making. No pressure, just time, material, and imagination.