Keramiku

Keramiku is a contemporary ceramic practice described as a movement that emphasizes handmade objects, collaborative studios, and sustainable production. The term is used in Southeast Asian craft communities and in global studio pottery discourse to denote a shared approach to materials, form, and community engagement.

Origins are linked to a shift in the late 20th and early 21st centuries toward accessible, locally produced wares. Artists and collectives in urban and rural settings established workshops that combined traditional pottery techniques with modern studio methods, often using locally sourced clays and low-energy firing routes.

Techniques typical of keramiku include wheel throwing and hand-building, slip decoration, underglaze and glaze application, and surface treatments such as sgraffito or brushwork. A wide range of firing methods is used, including electric, gas, and wood-fired kilns, with a growing emphasis on sustainable practices like waste reduction and recycling of clay scraps.

Aesthetically, keramiku encompasses functional vessels, tableware, and sculptural pieces. Works often prioritize tactile surfaces, honest materiality, and a balance between utility and concept. The movement tends to favor accessible education, with open studios, workshops, and exhibitions that invite broad participation.

Culturally, keramiku is part of a broader trend toward local production and maker-led design. It intersects with studio pottery, craft education, and regional ceramic traditions while contributing to contemporary craft discourse through galleries, fairs, and online platforms.

References to related topics can be found under ceramics and studio pottery.