09 MAY 2020 My name is Joana Schmitz. I came to Berlin 4 years ago after receiving my bachelor's degree from MSD Münster in product and media design. During the completion of my master's degree at the UdK Berlin in 2018, I became fascinated by the digital processing of traditional ceramic materials.

My special interest has always been the interaction between humans and technology and the resulting design processes. Using additive, computer-aided manufacturing (3D printing) allows for previously unrealizable possibilities of form creation with this material.

The technology became the focus of my following projects and I decided to develop my own 3D printer to dive even deeper into the technology and gain a better understanding of the interrelationships within the process.

My vision is to further explore the possibilities and limitations, whether on an artistic and aesthetic level to search for innovative, complex, textile-like structures based on an algorithm, or to look for new approaches to utilise the qualities in functional ways.

The biggest limitation for me in the beginning of the pandemic was that I lost my workspace due to the closure of the universities. I decided to bring my 3D printers to my bedroom in my shared flat because I couldn't imagine not being able to work indefinitely—that would have been terrible! I think it is remarkable how quickly you can adapt to new circumstances out of necessity and make friends with new conditions—we are true chameleons. I have seen people on Instagram who, out of necessity, have converted their microwaves into kilns to fire their ceramics and have achieved remarkable results (I would still advise against this for safety reasons).

I created a small working space for myself where I was actually more productive than ever before. I mixed the ceramic mass on my balcony and did all the dirty work. Except for the fact that I had to vacuum and wipe my room every day, I really enjoyed the mixing of private living and creative working space. It was very inspiring for me because there is no distraction. Working with clients works great on Skype, I share my screen and you can work together on a 3D print model. It works even better than meeting in person when there's only one screen for everyone to look at, so I will definitely continue to do so.

Find an activity you can do at home that you enjoy and that challenges you. Working on and with my 3D printers helps me a lot during this time because there is an endless amount to improve or repair. Do things at home that you haven't had time to do before, or call an old school friend you've wanted to get in touch with for ages. I think it's a great time to start focusing more on yourself again. Get sleep, eat well and engage in some kind of movement every day. Do the things that will help you stay calm and centered. Those steps are the priority right now.

Every day I encounter new ideas and innovations that have been created for and inspired by the crisis. There is always something positive in every negative. The 3D printing scene, for example, has been producing urgently needed visors, masks and valves for ventilators to help close supply gaps in domestic production.

I am looking forward to moving with my printers into a real ceramic studio or opening up my own with access to a kiln to create products and build a shop. I dream of inspiring more people with my passion for ceramic 3D printing by holding workshops soon.

My work can currently best be followed via my Instagram profile @joana_schmitz. Here, or by mail to hello@joanaschmitz.de, you can write me a message if you are interested in my objects and products. Please text me if you would like to do a workshop with me, I will put you on the waiting list and inform you as soon as there are dates available.