makers | astrid mora.
meet our makers.
OMA is the result of the collective creativity of many incredible makers + artists. in this series, we introduce you to the people who make us.
introducing astrid.
we would not be able to have OMA as it is today without the contribution of astrid. her ceramics tie together the OMA aesthetic and philosophy from food to the table with their simple, raw design.
we first met astrid through our architectural team, box 9. we were quickly taken by portfolio, and reached out with hopes she would work with us. thankfully, she said yes.
astrid’s story is a special one, and we wanted her voice to be the one to tell it. below, she shares her journey, influences and craft in an exclusive interview for OMA.
when and how did your journey into ceramics and art begin?
after completing my studies in interior design, i decided to broaden my horizons with a degree in photography. during my time at art school, i discovered my love for craftsmanship, which eventually led me to the academy of fine arts and later to the ika (institute for arts and crafts), where i delved into ceramics.
ceramics started as something i wanted to do purely for myself, without the pressure to perform. i never expected it to bring me so much peace.
a few years ago, when my father passed away and i struggled to cope with my grief, i turned to my studio in search of a way to process my emotions. before i knew it, my hands began shaping an urn for his ashes. the time and care i invested in creating the urn gave me the space i needed to come to terms with his death. as a child, i found comfort in his hands, and now, with my own hands, i could provide him with a final resting place.
this process brought me such profound fulfillment that i wanted to create more. before long, others began asking me to make pieces for them, including OMA. once again, i was creating for others, but i never anticipated how much joy this would bring me.
how would you describe your ceramics style?
i find this a difficult question to answer about myself. in everything i do, i often hear people say, “that’s so you!” but honestly, i’m not entirely sure what that means.
if i had to describe it, i think my work reflects calmness, simplicity, and purity.
my multicultural background and diverse interests lead me to explore what feels most authentic to me, which isn’t necessarily european. there’s certainly a wabi-sabi feel to my work, i am inspired by japan and the wabi-sabi and zen philosophies.
nature is my greatest source of inspiration, as well as the innate character of the materials i work with. i’m always drawn to the authenticity of clay—it often feels like the clay guides me more than i guide it.
describe a typical day in your studio.
a day in my studio might seem rather monotonous to an outsider.
some of astrid’s work in OMA.
i usually start by checking what i placed in the molds the evening before and finishing those pieces. then, i prepare new items for the molds, which i can finish in the evening before putting other pieces in the molds again.
if i have time, i create new designs for myself, but more often, i work on completing orders.
everything i make is handcrafted—there’s no pottery wheel involved. the process is entirely artisanal. i roll out the clay with a wooden rolling pin and cut it to size by hand. for items like cups, i shape them by hand and leave them to set for the rest of the day. in the evening, i refine them: trimming edges, smoothing interiors, and perfecting the outer shape.
if pieces need to be burnished, i wait until they’ve reached the right consistency. each piece is burnished individually by hand using a smooth stone.
once items have been bisque-fired, they’re glazed and set aside to dry again. i check the kiln, unload it if it’s finished, and then reload it with new pieces.
for me, this is a dynamic and rewarding process—there’s always something to do. my days are always full, and i enjoy every moment.
what, where or who inspires you?
my life has always been more centered around interior design and architecture, so those fields are where i carry most names with me. i’m a big fan of axel vervoordt and the japanese architect tadao ando. vervoordt, for his stunning blend of east and west, brought together so sublimely and harmoniously in his interiors. ando is my favorite architect because of the sense of calm his work exudes. the way he plays with indirect light borders on perfection, and i find that his approach heavily influences the lighting i design and create.
closer to home, i have a deep appreciation for julie from atelier straf—not just for her beautiful designs but also for her critical yet nurturing perspective on my work, which provides me with space to grow.
it’s no secret that i love good food, and i can’t overlook kobe desramault and gert de mangeleer. their incredible philosophy and the way they approach life are truly inspiring. there’s so much passion and soul in everything they do.
as for photography, i have great admiration for stephan vanfleteren—not just for his breathtaking work but also for the remarkable person he is. his photography speaks for itself; words can’t do it justice.
interestingly, most of these names are belgian, except for tadao ando. i wouldn’t say i’m particularly chauvinistic, but i do feel proud of the incredible artists belgium has to offer.
what is your most treasured possession?
despite my love for beautiful things and my desire to surround myself with them, i’m not a materialistic person. what i treasure most in life are my children and my husband. it may sound cliché, but they are absolutely the most valuable things in my life. silence and peace are also incredibly dear to me.
if i had to name a few material possessions, it would be my books and my camera. and, of course, the joseph set—the remembrance set i created for my father, which also includes the urn i made for him.
where is your favourite place in the world?
my top 3 destinations are iceland—without a doubt the most magical place in the world, if you ask me—bali, and peru, for the experiences they offer. at the top of my bucket list is japan. i haven’t been there yet, but it’s my absolute dream to go someday. until i make it there, iceland remains my number one for being the most powerful and intense experience i’ve ever had.