María José Heitzer is a Chilean artist who, after a journey of personal and professional transformation, found a new path of expression in ceramics. She currently lives in Australia, where she has successfully established her own studio, MJH Ceramics, and will participate in the upcoming exhibition "Chile Sentido." In this interview, María José shares her story, her artistic approach, and her desire to continue connecting with the community through her art.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR STORY, AND HOW YOU CAME INTO THE WORLD OF ART.
My name is María José Heitzer, I am 35 years old, and I am originally from Valdivia. The first 18 years of my life were spent in the south of Chile, a crucial stage in my story, where being constantly connected with nature cultivated in me a deep desire to live in harmony and family tranquility.
Later, I moved to Santiago, where I studied Industrial Design, thus beginning my professional career in the artistic field. During my studies, I had the privilege of securing an internship with the theater company "Les Machines de L'ile" in Nantes, France. This experience reaffirmed the importance of creativity in my life and solidified my desire to develop handmade products as the cornerstone of my professional path.
While living in Santiago, I worked in furniture design and later as an Interior Designer for several years. This was a time of great personal and professional growth, and it was also when I met my husband, with whom I now have three wonderful children.
María José shows us how her personal and professional experiences in different parts of the world have been key in her evolution as an artist. From her early connection with nature in Valdivia to her experience in France, she has successfully integrated these influences into her creative process. Her focus on working with her hands highlights the importance of the artisanal and the intimate in her work, something that remains central to her current art.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO AUSTRALIA AND HOW HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED YOUR ART FROM HERE?
After three years of trying to balance family life with work, we realized that we needed a radical change. Without thinking too much, within two months, we left everything we had in Chile to come to Australia and chase a dream—a dream that promised to bring back the harmony we had longed for.
We arrived in Manly in February 2020, with two very young children and only the most essential aspects of our life sorted out. However, just 15 days later, COVID-19 hit, disrupting everything in its path. As the months passed, I realized that working as a designer was not a viable option, and it was at that moment that I decided to study the art of ceramics.
Despite having worked for years with wood, metal, paint, and a variety of materials, ceramics had always intrigued me. This was the perfect time and place to give it a chance. Working with clay quickly became the answer to my search for meaning and purpose.
Shortly after, MJH Ceramics was born, a small local workshop where I create contemporary pieces with organic lines inspired by nature.
The change of country and the arrival of the pandemic represented a profound challenge for María José, but it also opened the door to a new creative opportunity. Her transition to ceramics was more than just a shift in medium; it was a reinvention that allowed her to reconnect with her passion for handmade work. This story reminds us how, in moments of uncertainty, art can be a way to discover new facets of ourselves.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE OR APPROACH?
My artistic style is characterized as contemporary, with organic and simple lines that reflect a connection to nature. I prefer to use a neutral and earthy color palette, which brings a sense of calm and balance to my pieces.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE PURPOSES OF YOUR WORKS?
The purpose of my work is to create pieces that are not only aesthetically appealing but also invite reflection and connection with nature. I seek to blend functionality with organic forms, using materials and shapes that evoke a sense of calm and harmony. Each piece is designed to resonate with those who value simplicity and serenity in their environment, while exploring the inherent beauty of natural elements.
HAVE YOU BEEN INFLUENCED BY OTHER ARTISTS AND/OR ART MOVEMENTS?
The Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi has been a significant influence on my artistic approach. This concept celebrates the beauty of imperfection, transience, and incompleteness, elements I incorporate into my works to capture the authentic essence of nature. The contemporary ceramics movement, with its focus on simple forms, has also been particularly influential in my artistic development, leading me to create pieces that combine functionality and aesthetics.
María José’s artistic approach speaks not only to a visual aesthetic but also to a philosophy of life. The organic lines and earthy colors she uses reflect her desire to live in harmony, both with nature and her surroundings. Her work invites viewers to pause and appreciate simplicity and serenity in the midst of a fast-paced world.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR RECENT PROJECTS.
A significant part of my work focuses on designing and creating custom collections for clients, including:
Fe Design Interiors (Sydney, Australia)
Emporium Avenue (Sydney, Australia)
Rustiko Handcrafted Goods (Sydney, Australia)
Simply Pure Essentials (Santiago, Chile)
Additionally, I’ve participated in exhibitions and events, including:
Africa Creative Exhibition – Northern Beaches Gallery (Cromer, Australia)
“Día de la Fauna Chilena” in collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute (Australia and Chile).
María José has established herself as a versatile creator, working in both commercial collaborations and artistic exhibitions. This combination allows her not only to explore her creativity but also to position herself as an artist who blends functionality with aesthetics in various contexts. Her ability to connect with the public through different platforms demonstrates the universal appeal of her work.
IS THERE A PARTICULAR WORK THAT HAS LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION ON YOU, AND WHY?
Rather than a single piece, the “Sea Treasures” collection I created in 2021 has been one of my most iconic works. Over the past three years, this collection has managed to capture the essence of my artistic vision and has deeply resonated with the public. Despite the passage of time, it remains the most requested and appreciated work, which fills me with pride and satisfaction.
“Sea Treasures” is an example of how a collection can encapsulate the essence of an artist. Its lasting resonance with the public over the years shows that María José has created something timeless, deeply connecting with people. This also highlights the significance of pieces that not only reflect the artist’s creativity but also invite the viewer to become part of that experience.
WHAT WORKS WILL YOU BE PRESENTING IN THIS EXHIBITION, AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE THEM?
For this exhibition, I will be presenting a composition of floating pieces that capture the majesty of the Andes Mountains and the deep sense of belonging they evoke in me.
That constant feeling of longing for the mountains, which I’m sure many Chileans share, was one of the main reasons that inspired me. I then decided that the work would consist of independent pieces that, through their installation, would form a harmonious composition.
IS THERE A STORY BEHIND ANY OF THE PIECES THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
Honestly, I had always wanted to create hanging objects, and once I chose the Andes Mountains as inspiration, everything quickly came to life, and I was able to develop it in a very fluid and natural way. Probably, some of what you will see at the Chile Sentido exhibition had already been in some corner of my creative mind.
The Andes Mountains symbolize more than just a geographical feature; they represent identity and a sense of belonging for many Chileans. María José uses this work to capture the longing for connection with her homeland, showing that physical distance does not diminish the emotional power a landscape can have over our identity.
WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS EXHIBITION?
Honestly, I don’t have very concrete expectations, as this is quite a new world for me. However, I’m very clear that it will be an excellent opportunity to showcase my work and open myself up to new experiences and professional opportunities that I haven't ventured into before.
LOOKING BACK ON YOUR CAREER, WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT MOMENTS FOR YOU AS AN ARTIST?
I think one of the most significant moments in my career as an artist was when I decided that ceramics would become my new major profession. Although it wasn’t the easiest or shortest path, it was undoubtedly the one that brought me the most happiness.
HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE ART SCENE HERE AND IN CHILE?
Yes, I’ve noticed that, in general, Australia is a country where art is very diverse. There is space for a wide range of styles and artistic approaches, which allows each artist to find their own specific audience.
WHAT ARE YOUR NEXT PROJECTS OR GOALS IN YOUR ARTISTIC CAREER?
One of the big projects I have in mind is to develop art therapy sessions through ceramics and give a more meaningful and community-oriented twist to my career.
María José’s interest in incorporating art therapy into her practice demonstrates a sensitivity to the transformative power of art. Ceramics, an art form that requires patience and a connection with the material, can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. This new focus in her artistic career will not only benefit those who participate in her sessions but will also enrich her connection with the community.
WHAT DOES PARTICIPATING IN THIS EXHIBITION MEAN TO YOU?
For me, participating in this exhibition represents a significant shift in my career and an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone. It’s my first time presenting myself to the world as an exhibiting and conceptual artist, which marks a new chapter in my career. Up until now, much of my work has focused on designing and creating functional and decorative collections, but this exhibition allows me to explore and showcase a deeper, more artistic side of my creativity.
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR YOU TO CONNECT WITH THE CHILEAN COMMUNITY IN AUSTRALIA THROUGH ART?
Connecting with the Chilean community in Australia through art is very important to me. Collaborating with other Chilean artists not only allows us to share our perspectives and experiences but also strengthens us as a community. By working together, we can enrich each other and achieve greater things, propelling Chilean talent to new horizons.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTINUE BEING PART OF THESE GATHERINGS? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS FOR FURTHER ENHANCING THIS CHILEAN-AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY?
Without a doubt, I would love to continue being part of this community and continue learning from the incredible Chilean talents living in Australia.
One idea to further enhance this community would be to expand these types of exhibitions to different states of Australia. This would allow more Chilean artists, who have not yet been discovered by our community, to join in and contribute their creativity and vision.
WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEAVE FOR THOSE ATTENDING THE GALLERY?
I’m a firm believer that collective and community work is incredibly powerful and enriching. I think it’s important to break certain personal and collective barriers when it comes to art and the work each of us is capable of creating. Stepping out of our comfort zone will always bring results that surprise us in a very positive way.
HOW CAN PEOPLE INTERESTED IN YOUR WORK FOLLOW OR CONTACT YOU?
You can contact me directly at ceramicsmjh@gmail.com, visit my website www.ceramicsmjh.com, or find me on IG at mjh.ceramics.
María José Heitzer is an artist who has reinvented herself at every stage of her life. From her early influences in Chile to her current practice in Australia, her work reflects a constant desire to connect with the natural and the authentic. Through her focus on ceramics, she has found a medium to express her contemporary vision, influenced by the simplicity of nature and concepts like Wabi-Sabi. Her dedication to handmade work and her connection to her roots have led her to create pieces that transcend functionality and become an extension of her essence.
We invite you to discover the fascinating work of María José Heitzer at the upcoming Chile Sentido exhibition, where she will present her pieces inspired by the majestic Andes Mountains. Don’t miss the opportunity to see her work up close and connect with her unique vision that blends the organic and the contemporary.