Craftsman and designer

Quentin Colas

A trained designer, I have always been passionate about crafts and artistic professions. It was while discovering the expertise of Maison JL Coquet and Jaune de Chrome that I developed a particular interest in porcelain. Curious and fascinated, I joined the workshops of the factory for two years to learn the craft of porcelain craftsman. Divided between theory and practice, I experimented with different shaping techniques, repeating a whole host of specific and precise gestures necessary for the execution of porcelain pieces.

As part of the house's creative team, projects followed one after the other, each revealing a little more of the secrets of this unique material. I discovered infinite creative possibilities, porcelain gradually becoming my raison d'être and my hands my best tool. I emerged from this experience with the idea of becoming a craftsman sooner or later.

After several years creating and designing collections for French manufacturers, creating my own workshop became obvious.

The universe of Basaltik

Tradition & modernity

Basaltik - a name inspired by basalt, the mineral born from the molten depths of the Earth. Its intense black color reflects the fusion of mineral power and fire, echoing the contrasting purity of white porcelain, made from kaolin and shaped at extreme temperatures.

The heritage of traditional ceramics is part of the identity of the Basaltik collections. I play with codes and subvert them to create contemporary objects that exude emotion and a story. Tradition, elegance, harmony of forms, and contrasting finishes—this is what could define the aesthetic of Basaltik.

By combining my skills as a designer with my expertise as a porcelain craftsman, I create, from sketch to completion, objects that inhabit our homes. Shaped by modeling, molding, and casting, the Basaltik collections are intended for everyday use and are entirely handmade in my workshop in Maine-et-Loire.

Porcelain manufacturing

Water, earth, fire

At Basaltik, everything begins with a drawing. I develop a sketch by playing with shapes, curves, and proportions. This step can take time, but it often provides the first guiding principle for a collection.

The plaster blocks are sculpted using traditional modeling techniques, bringing the model to life. This volume is essential for designing the molds that will allow me to produce the pieces in small batches.

Porcelain manufacturing is the result of demanding expertise. There are many steps involved, and it generally takes two weeks for a piece to see the light of day. The pastes, also called slip, are prepared in the workshop and then poured into plaster molds. By capillary action, a thin film forms in contact with the mold, and its thickness varies depending on the setting time. The excess slip is poured out, and the piece is deburred before being removed from the mold. Next comes a crucial drying phase, allowing the piece to be handled during finishing. An initial firing at 980°C consolidates the material and allows the piece to be glazed. A second firing at 1280°C guarantees the strength and brilliance of the glaze. The pieces are removed from the kiln, cleaned, and prepared for packaging, ready for delivery.

This process reflects the workshop's commitment to creating unique objects, where each step contributes to the quality and authenticity of my creations.