Ceramist Cyril Dennery's Unconventional Journey from Architecture to Wood-Fired Pottery

Cyril Dennery, a skilled ceramist hailing from Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, integrates architectural elements, wood-fired methods, and partnerships with Michelin-star chefs. As a child, he was diagnosed with hyperactivity, which led him to concentrate on model-making before pursuing architecture. His journey into pottery began with a foot-powered wheel while studying Art and Design in England. He became self-taught through YouTube, learning from potters like Simon Leach. Inspired by Japanese practices, Dennery constructed a wood-fired kiln that reaches 1,300 degrees Celsius, utilizing 6-7 steres of wood he harvested himself. His 30-hour firing sessions involve collaboration. For the past fifteen years, he has crafted art pieces and custom plates for restaurants, highlighting the importance of the "putain de facteur humain" (PFH) in his partnerships. His creations were showcased during the European Days of Crafts (JEMA).