AI x Ceramics. The intersection of cutting-edge technology and one of the oldest crafts in the world—clay—continues to fascinate. In this series Anneli experiments with AI-generated imagery as a starting point for her stoneware pieces.
With or Without Head is a playful series of abstract, bird-inspired vases crafted in colored porcelain. Each piece serves as both a functional vase and a sculptural object, adorned with hand-inscribed texts that invite curiosity and contemplation.
A collection of porcelain vases, each adorned with whimsical, naivistic illustrations that burst with color and spontaneity. Inspired by Anneli’s personal experiences, every piece feels like a page from a journal—intimate, emotional, and filled with playful honesty.
In the series "...and There Has To Be a Rubber Duck", Anneli delves into the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence and ceramics, where the old meets the new. Drawing inspiration from AI-generated imagery, Anneli transforms digital creations into stoneware sculptures—an unexpected union of cutting-edge technology and timeless craftsmanship. The rubber duck—always included in the AI prompt—is the only constant in this series, but everything else evolves through Anneli’s creative vision. It’s an ongoing dialogue between her imagination and the imperfections inherent in both AI and clay, a space where digital absurdities (like hands with six fingers or distorted rubber ducks) meet the grounding reality of handcrafted stoneware.
AI isn’t perfect—its outputs can be as absurd and distorted as they are beautiful. Hands with six fingers, rubber ducks twisted into improbable shapes, and whimsical juxtapositions emerge from this digital tool. This imperfection adds a layer of absurdity that serves as both a visual joke and a challenge to the viewer’s assumptions. It becomes clear that AI, while driven by algorithms, creates much like an artist would: by taking bits and pieces of the world and reassembling them in new ways. Each piece is a delicate balance between order and chaos, precision and imperfection, all tied together by the rubber duck, which serves as a anchor in the creative process. In this sense, AI’s role as a collaborator in Anneli’s work highlights the timeless nature of human creativity and the act of synthesis.
The rubber ducks, often absurd and playful, serve as a central motif in this series. They provoke the viewer, inviting them to consider the contradictions between precision and spontaneity, beauty and chaos. The act of transforming these AI-generated images into tactile, carefully crafted ceramic pieces becomes a meditation on the balance between spontaneity, control, and creativity. The rubber duck, once seen as a symbol of innocence, takes on new meaning in this playful yet profound dialogue between technology and tradition.
Anneli’s ceramics do more than just exist—they speak to the complexities of the creative process and the evolving relationship between human hands and digital tools. Each piece is an invitation to engage with the absurd, to find humor in imperfection, and to question the boundaries of creativity itself. It’s a playful provocation, reminding us that creativity is as much about the questions we ask as the answers we find.
In a world where technology is constantly evolving, Anneli’s work is a reminder that art has always been about synthesis, about combining influences, and about making the strange familiar, and the familiar strange. Through this series, she pushes the boundaries of both ceramics and digital art, inviting us to pause and reflect on the absurdity, humor, and beauty that emerge when these worlds collide.
Can you distinguish which image in the gallery is the AI-generated original and which one is the handcrafted ceramic piece?
The With or Without Head series is an imaginative exploration of dual-purpose design and abstract storytelling. Each piece is crafted in colored porcelain and features a vibrant, bird-like head that doubles as a sculptural lid for the vase. When the vase is in use, the head can rest beside it, transforming the ensemble into an interactive statement piece.
The bird heads are far from realistic—they’re entirely invented, abstract forms born from Anneli’s creative intuition. The surfaces of the vases are inscribed with texts that add narrative and emotional depth to the otherwise playful and whimsical forms. For instance, Determination reads, “Whatever you do, always give 100%. Unless you are donating blood.” Another piece, Mindfulness, reflects on the fleeting nature of presence: “Today I will live in the moment. Unless the moment is unpleasant, in which case I will eat a cookie.” And Love captures an eternal truth: “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.”
This series was born from a visceral need to bring an envisioned idea to life—an idea that lived in Anneli’s mind until it demanded to be shaped in clay. The result is a collection that blurs the line between function and art, where practicality meets abstraction, and imagination takes flight.
Perfect for collectors and lovers of the unexpected, these works spark joy, curiosity, and connection.
The Dear Diary series invites you into Anneli Mortensen’s world—one where porcelain vases become pages for her innermost reflections. Each piece is a deeply personal snapshot, brought to life through whimsical, childlike illustrations that radiate spontaneity and emotion. Inspired by her own experiences, Anneli’s designs are created only when she feels she has something to share, making every vase a unique story waiting to be told.
With vibrant colors and an intuitive, uninhibited painting style, these works capture the immediacy of a journal entry—raw, honest, and alive with playful energy. The naivistic charm of the illustrations is balanced by the meticulous craftsmanship of the porcelain, creating a striking contrast between medium and message.
Like entries in a diary, these vases are unapologetically personal, yet universal in their ability to evoke curiosity, connection, and emotion. They remind us that life is messy, colorful, and worth sharing—and that sometimes, the best stories are the ones we tell without holding back.
My journey into ceramics took a winding path—I started out in the corporate IT world, where I spent over 20 years as a programmer and leader, solving creative problems and helping others grow. But deep down, I craved something more tangible, something that would ground me in the present. Clay became my answer—a material where time slows down, focus sharpens, and chaos turns into calm.
Originally from Gothenburg, Sweden, I moved to Denmark in my late twenties and eventually settled in Copenhagen with my family of five. In 2021, I made the leap from IT to ceramics full-time, leaving behind the digital fast-paced world for something more hands-on. I also founded clay:Makers, two ceramic playgrounds in Copenhagen K and Hellerup, where I invite others to explore and experiment with clay.
My work is all about contrasts—precision meets playfulness, craftsmanship meets curiosity. Lately, I’ve been diving into the fascinating (and absurd) intersection of AI and ceramics, transforming AI-generated imagery into tangible clay sculptures. It’s a mix of one of the newest technologies with one of the oldest crafts, and through it, I explore ideas about creativity, imperfection, and what it really means to make something by hand.
For me, working with clay isn’t just about creating objects—it’s about finding space to slow down, reflect, and connect. Whether I’m making an imaginative vase or a provocative AI-inspired sculpture, my goal is always to invite curiosity and conversation.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Whether you're a collector, an admirer, or just curious, I hope my work resonates with you.
The stunning ceramics showcased on this page are exclusively available for pickup in the heart of central Copenhagen, Denmark. Drop a mail to anneli@calmceramics.dk to reserve a piece.
Series: "...and There Has To Be a Rubber Duck"
34 cm tall stoneware ceramics sculpture.
Stig is a man of the moment. A sailor. A storyteller. If you have a moment, I’d love to share his story.
6.500,00 Dkk.
Stig grew up in the same small village as Celeste, but the sea called him early. He spent his life sailing the seven seas, facing high waves, endless stillness, and the wonders of distant continents—never once looking back. Until one day, his back protested like never before—aching, groaning, and begging him to stop dancing on the floorboards and get ashore. Being the wise man he'd become, he listened to his back (and the ship's doctor) and returned home.
Seventy years had passed. No one recognized him. But he didn’t mind. Land had its own kind of magic. Once his land sickness settled, he noticed unusual birds singing familiar songs. He lay in the grass for so long that, somehow, he grew new hair—a head full of pinecones!
Life on land suits him. He indulges in Danish pastries, tells endless sea tales to the village children, and soaks in every moment of the present. Being Stig is a celebration of the here and now—a life content and well-lived.
Stig has so many stories to share. Which one do you hear?
He has been fired alongside Celeste and is up for sale, his adventures waiting to continue. Alongside the ceramics images to this post, you’ll find the original AI-generated image that sparked his creation—technology provoking inspiration, bridging the past and the future.
Diva D’Licious (aka David) is a glamorous icon from the series ...and There Has to be a Rubber Duck. At 53 cm tall, she’s the tallest figure I've ever sculpted—and definitely the boldest. With rhinestone brows, a shimmering wig tangled with leaves, and unapologetic red lips, she channels the spirit of the '80s with fierce love for glitter, panther prints, and show-stopping confidence.
10.500,00 Dkk.
Her presence is a tribute to those who dare to shine. She’s related to The Huntress, and together they form a radiant constellation of strength, queerness, and playful resistance in clay.
You can see a full video of David here (yes, this is a link).
🎤 Interview with Diva D’Licious — Backstage at clay:Makers Cabaret
Q1: Diva, you just stepped off stage after that jaw-dropping finale. How are you feeling?
A: Darling, I feel like a freshly fired Moon Jar—hot, glowing, and slightly unpredictable. The crowd? Electrified. The ducks? Quacking. I gave them rhinestones, rhythm, and raw ceramic realness.
Q2: Your rhinestone wig and panther print got a standing ovation. Can you tell us what inspired the look tonight?
A: Of course. The wig is vintage soda-fired fabulousness, and the leaves in my hair? A little whisper from The Huntress. I like to say my style is where the jungle meets Studio 54—with a sprinkle of duck.
Q3: Any advice for young clay figures dreaming of the spotlight?
A: Yes, sugar: be bold, be weird, and never underestimate the power of a red lip and a perfectly trimmed base. And remember—there always has to be a rubber duck. 💋
The technical details: 53 cm tall, 25 x 25 cm width and depth. Hand-built over 60 hours with carefully chosen stoneware clay and a whole lot of love. Diva D’Licious is a one-of-a-kind sculpture from my series "…and There Has to be a Rubber Duck".
Discover Celeste, a unique 40cm stoneware sculpture, embodying a tale of transformation, isolation, and unexpected connections.
8.500,00 Dkk.
Series: "...and There Has To Be a Rubber Duck"
40 cm tall stoneware ceramics sculpture.
While she was being created, we had some talks and let me tell you her story. Celeste grew up in the most beautiful house in the village. The big, white one up on the hill. She lived by rules, strict and clear, just as her father had set them. And that's how she carried on.
People admired the house, the gardens, the perfectly arranged life within. But no one really knew Celeste. Over time, she became someone the village spoke of in hushed voices. The children feared her sharp words, and even the adults kept their distance. Until one day—something disrupted her order. A mistake. A cake, delivered to her doorstep. She had NOT ordered a cake. Cakes were only eaten on Thursdays, and they were sand cakes. Not cream cakes. She demanded it be removed at once.
But the new baker in town didn’t yet know her ways. Or, perhaps, didn’t take them seriously. "You can just keep it," he said. And just like that, her world was thrown off balance. Celeste would not, COULD not, keep the cake. So the baker sent his daughter, Luna, to retrieve it. When Luna arrived, she was taken aback. The house was grand, yes, but also strange, filled with exotic artifacts collected by Celeste’s long-lost uncle—an explorer who vanished searching for the source of the Nile.
Luna, young and curious, saw something no one else had bothered to: Celeste wasn’t just stern. She was alone. The next day, Luna left a small gift on Celeste’s doorstep—chocolate biscuits, a kind gesture. But before Celeste could retrieve them, her dog got to them first. And just like that, disaster struck. Chocolate is poison to dogs. Celeste needed to get to the vet. Immediately. But she had no car. She had no one to call.
She was forced to knock on a neighbor’s door. The electrician was out—but his teenage son was home. He could drive. Hesitant, but with no other choice, she accepted his help. And in that car ride, something shifted. The boy didn’t treat her like a myth, like something to fear. He asked her questions. He made her laugh. And for the first time in years, she had a genuine, pleasant conversation with someone from town.
It wasn’t much. But it was enough to set things in motion. Because once you crack the walls, they don’t rebuild quite the same. Over the months that followed, one thing led to another. Celeste’s world changed. One thing is for sure, the house didn’t stay white. Turns out, she had a knack for painting, and not just the walls. Colors spilled onto canvas. And, she was kissed again. Her stories are waiting to continue.
Celeste was fired alongside Stig.
Explore Anneli Mortensen’s sculptures, vessels, and art—all handcrafted and uniquely hers.
These one-of-a-kind pieces are perfect for collectors and those who appreciate playful design.
See how Anneli’s ceramics come to life—from AI-inspired images to the tactile magic of clay. Follow along for behind-the-scenes moments, creative experiments, and new pieces as they evolve.
Clay doesn’t rush. It takes time to shape, to dry, to transform. In a world that’s always moving, my art invites you to stop and reflect—to feel the weight of the small things, the paradoxes, and the playful moments that shape our lives.