KPM BERLIN, STEFAN MARX AND PETER VON BIRON CELEBRATE DESIGN HISTORY TOGETHER
In 1790, KPM Berlin transformed Peter von Biron’s design—the Duke of Kurland—into an elegant dinner service. Today, 230 years later, this iconic design is being brought back to life. Internationally acclaimed illustrator and KPM friend Stefan Marx enters into a KPM+ dialogue with the former Elector. The result: a KPM To-go cup, decorated with a portrait of Peter von Biron—inspired by the original historical painting—and a matching message of congratulations. Stefan Marx reveals more about the concept and the development of the motif in an interesting interview...
How did youcup with the design for the KPM To-go cup , and what's the idea behind it?
I find Kurland just as fascinating as the entire history of KPM. I wondered who, 230 years ago, commissioned the design of a new porcelain service. When I saw the portrait painting of Peter von Biron, I loved the idea of creating a “Sundaayyyssss” Peter von Biron portrait variation—along with matching Kurland —to celebrate this year’s KURLAND anniversary.
Did you decide on the design first and then choose the product it would be applied to, or did youcup the design specifically for the KPM To-go cup ?
Icup this motif specifically for the KPM To-go cup . So everything had to be just right: the number of typical Kurland and the string of pearls. The cup is also cup tribute to the famous New York To-Go cup Greek Anthora.”
Why does Peter von Biron have a dog face?
This time, Peter von Biron has taken the form of the Sundaayyy Dog. This can also be found on other hand-painted pieces by me and KPM Berlin.
How can we imagine the process of developing a motif in your work?
It is a process of trial and error, a dialog with the porcelain and an attempt to finally transfer my idea of the drawing in the perfect size onto the porcelain surface. To do this, I make lots of drawings on paper, which I then transfer to the porcelain in a unique way.
All your motifs for KPM Berlin are black and white - is there a reason for that?
I mainly work in black and white, because a black line in a drawing can express a lot - sometimes you don't even need color.
We've already had the chance to look over your shoulder as you draw and are thrilled at how confidently you draw with a pen on porcelain. Did you find it easy right from the start?
The beginning was difficult and I am learning every day in the KPM Berlin Master Painting Studio. But my lovely colleagues in TOM 1 (the painting studio where Stefan works - the painting offices at KPM Berlin are called "Team-oriented Painting") are very patient with me. I'm thrilled with the way I'm now drawing my lines on the porcelain. I do make a lot of mistakes, but fortunately they are easy to correct.
What is the difference between drawing on porcelain and drawing on paper or other surfaces?
The biggest difference is the color and the tool, plus the fact that most porcelain pieces do not have a flat surface, but are usually domed or rounded in some way. Another difference is that the surface is sealed and the color is not absorbed, but lies on the glaze. This is very special.
What is the appeal of painting on porcelain for you?
The greatest attraction is probably the individuality of each painted piece, because each piece is truly unique.
Which piece of KPM Berlin would you like to paint in the future?
I would like to paint a KPM figure in the future.
The to-go cup of KPM's KURLAND collection. Which collection is your favorite for your daily cup of coffee?
I now drink my daily coffee from the KPM To-go cup!
The Stefan Marx To-go cup produced exclusively for KURLAND's 2020 anniversary year and is therefore no longer available.
