Natural or artificial

2022｜ soil, sand and natural stones from Fränsta, Sweden, clay, color pigments for ceramics; fired in wood and electronic kilns, unglazed ｜ various sizes, the average size of each stone is about 4x5.7x4.2 cm; 15 stones

Stones are among the most common elements on Earth. Over time, they are transported and deposited by water, which leads to the formation of clay used in ceramics. I first collected stones in Fränsta, Sweden, to draw inspiration. In the next step, I mixed local soil and sand with clay and ceramic pigments to represent the seemingly ordinary stones of nature. It was not through natural processes but through my work that the materials were transformed into stones. I present natural and artificial stones side by side, inviting the viewer to recognize the difference between the natural and the artificial. This offers an alternative way to perceive nature and reflect on the nature of reality—can we tell which stones are natural and which are artificial? Some stones may cause doubt for the viewer. Why is that? Is humanity truly capable of replacing nature's creation—even when it comes to seemingly ordinary stones?