In 2019 I was invited to create ceramic objects for Denis Villeneuve’s Dune 2020 (Now delayed to 2021) movie. A limited number of one off, original pieces were made, half of which were hand selected for the set. (A few runner-up pieces are available for sale.) As the filming was progressing in total secrecy I turned to Frank Herbert’s visionary and philosophical thoughts embedded in the novel about: logic, perfection, art and change.
Raku Pottery and Perfection
Can you aim for perfection in Raku? It is difficult to tell, but if you hold a piece in hand and there’s nothing to add or take away, that’s enough. And some objects of this series made that far.
I tend to think that unconscious, pervasive need for a logical universe that makes sense is somehow reflected in most of the Raku pottery pieces I make.
Radical, worn surfaces, an otherworldly mood; welcome to the world of Dune.
Dune 2021 ceramics in the ShopDeep in the human unconscious is a pervasive need for a logical universe that makes sense. But the real universe is always one step beyond logic.
There is in all things a pattern that is part of our universe. It has symmetry, elegance, and grace – these qualities you find always in that the true artist captures.
Frank Herbert: Dune
Ceramics in the Dune Movie: Made in Hungary
If you have eagle eyes you might spot some of these ceramic vessels in a scene of the upcoming movie adaptation.
Junction: Raku Whispering Globe
Pitch Black: Raku Ceramic Whispering Globe
Work in Progress
Wormhole: Raku Ceramic Detail
Wormhole: Top View
Spice: Bottom Detail
Throwing in the Studio
Spice: Top Detail
Arrakis: Ceramic Vessel
Eris and Charon: Raku Whispering Gobes
Cups in Progress
Raku Ceramic Dune Cups
Hi Ildiko!
Very beautiful ceramic work here for the Dune film. Which scene are these featured in?
Hello, well, due to the secrecy that surrounded the filming, I wasn’t provided with that information, only the necessary details and constraints. And I haven’t yet watched the movie, so I don’t yet know, unfortunately. But soon…
These are incredibly beautiful! Did you also happen to do this one?
https://postimg.cc/vx4Xw1DF
Thanks, Benjamin. In fact, no, those were made by someone else.
It seems that the production company contracted multiple artists, and at the end only a fraction of the pieces made it to the big screen.