Maker’s Story
Borja Moronta is originally from Asturias, northern Spain. He settled in Edinburgh after graduating as an Architect in 2016 (Madrid Polytechnic University). Throughout university, he had a strong interest in different disciplines such as photography, ceramics or woodwork, and always felt drawn to that architecture which focuses on the materiality of the buildings.Â
His pottery practice began at the beginning of 2018, as part of a recovery process from a severe surgery due to nerve damage on his left hand. He joined Edinburgh Ceramics Workshop evening classes and soon became a member. Borja worked his way through the Edinburgh Ceramics Workshop structure and became part of their Incubator programme for emerging ceramicists in July 2019, giving him the foundation to go from a hobby potter to a professional potter. Soon after Borja was fortunate to gain large commissions from both Fhior and Spry Wines, in Edinburgh. He then went on to set up his own studio just a year later.
Today, based in his Edinburgh studio, in Abbeymount, inspired by distinguished architects, Peter Zumthor and Tadao Ando, Borja makes ceramics that follow basic, calmed and natural forms on a soft tone palette. Each piece is individually crafted on the potter’s wheel and throughout all the stages, therefore showing all the nature of handmade.
“I hope that when I’m making, whatever I make becomes a special part of somebody’s day for example, but also becomes part of their daily lives. I think that’s why I also enjoy making tableware so much as it is always on the table, people share meals and they have fun, and they have beautiful moments together. Everyone’s got a favourite mug or remembers moments like certain Christmas dinners together, and having my work be part of people’s beautiful moments is something I have really enjoyed.”
Images courtesy of Borja Moronta.Â
