About Me
I am Gemma Mercader, and Tossuda Studio is my personal project.
I was born in 1974 in Barcelona, a city on the Mediterranean surrounded by the sea and mountains, always present. In my family, I am the fourth generation continuing to work with hands; my great-grandfather, grandfather, and father worked with needles, fabrics, and wool, while I work with clay, creating handmade ceramic dishes and unique pieces.
As far back as I can remember, I have always had a creative mind. I graduated in Fine Arts from the University of Barcelona, combining it with advertising photography at IDEP. Later, I studied illustration at the Francesca Bonnemaison school, and in 2013, I reconnected with ceramics. Montse Sunyer invited me to her studio to work with clay. Since then, I have worked in various studios in Barcelona, including those of Lusesita, Manuela Gerosa, Purificación Rodríguez, Penélope Vallejo, and finally, at the Ceramics School of La Bisbal.
After this journey, in 2019, I decided to set up my own studio and start the Tossuda project.
I enjoy working with my hands, creating voluminous pieces. I am still excited by the moment of surprise that I have always sought. With photography, it was in the darkroom when I developed photos, and the image began to emerge. With illustration, it was when I worked on printing and lifted the matrix to see the resulting drawing. And with ceramics, it’s every time I open the kiln.
WORK PROCESS
The entire process from start to finish goes through me, from the idea to the final object, and I enjoy every stage. Each piece and handmade ceramic dish requires weeks of work.
I start by thinking about what object I want to make, the colors, the design, whether it will have chamotte or be finer, whether it will be matte or glossy. Once I have a clear idea, I take the stoneware clay and work it until I achieve the desired shape. Usually, I start with a slab and cut and mold it until it has the desired form. Then I add color with engobes, and when they are dry enough, they go through a first firing to become bisque-fired. This way, the color is fixed, and the piece has already lost the water. Once here, I glaze the piece and pass it through the second firing at high temperature. Working with stoneware and high temperatures allows me to create strong and durable pieces with glazes suitable for use in the kitchen.
My life experiences, everything I’ve lived, read, seen, and experienced, shape who I am now, and that, along with my environment and ongoing events, inspires me in my work.
My goal is to create functional pieces that accompany you in everyday life or on those more special occasions. I believe that using or serving food on handmade ceramic dishes, crafted with time and dedication, helps us become more aware of something we take for granted and routine, when in reality, it goes beyond that.
Testimonials
Eva Gallego
Gemma makes beautiful, high-quality pieces! Furthermore, when you talk to her she makes you feel very comfortable and transmits that love for ceramics with which you can perfectly see all the love and effort she puts into each piece. Highly recommended!
María Carelli
Beautiful space, suggestive pieces of designer ceramics. Beautiful utilitarian pieces for everyday use and for special gifts.
Roser Martínez
Gemma's work is exquisite, her ceramics are very evocative, each piece is full of art.❤️