Ester Svensson

The german word Zugunruhe, (from Zug - to move, migrate and Unruhe - anxiety, restlessness) sums up the ideas behind my work. It is generally used to describe the restlessness of migratory birds before and during their period of migration, but the same phenomenon can be seen in resident birds and animals.

Humans also experience feelings of restlessness and yearning for movement and freedom. When we travel or migrate, our sense of identity, belonging and home are affected. We long for that which might no longer exist.

Although Swedish, I was born in Pakistan. My experiences growing up there and journeys I have taken influence much of my practice, both in illustration and ceramics. These personal experiences are often a starting point towards an understanding of these universal themes of disconnectedness. Although sometimes hidden, a narrative is woven throughout my work, often drawn directly onto the ceramic objects or in their arrangement.