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From a power electronics technician to a ceramic designer

Published on May 12, 2020

"Thematically, my ceramic work deals with the seemingly endless processes we all go through in our daily lives, whereby development, growth, rhythm and symmetry all play a central role." (Julia Saffer)

 

Julia Saffer began her professional career as a craftswoman, but far from the field of ceramics, which until then had only been a hobby to her. In the year 2000, the Forchheim native started an apprenticeship at Siemens in Erlangen as a power electronics technician. There were three women among 18 trainees -- at that time this was seen as a high female quota. All three passed the journey(wo)man's examination.

Despite her secure job and good pay, Julia Saffer lacked personal fulfillment. But after 9 years in the profession, the economic crisis of 2008/2009 offered her a chance to gain that too: Her termination agreement and a severance payment made it realistic to pursue a new start at the Technical College for Ceramics in Höhr-Grenzhausen.

Since 2015 she has taken part in international competitions. She also produces commercial ceramics. She works as a freelancer for the magazine "Die neue Keramik" and runs a small store gallery. In 2018, she founded a ceramics school in Höhr-Grenzhausen, to which she invites artists from all over the world.

"It was the right decision. I feel free. I'm not dependent on anyone but myself, that's the most important point." (Julia Saffer)

 

text: © Gaby Franger, Frauen in der Einen Welt
photos: © Julia Saffer
Translation from the original German: Steffen Meyer

Julia Saffer website
proTon Keramikworkshops website
The "object of the week" May 13, 2020 at "MUSEUM ONLINE"

 

 
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