Raku Pottery for the Dune 2021 Movie Set by Ildikó Károlyi

In 2019 I was invited to create ceramic objects for Denis Villeneuve’s Dune 2020 (Now delayed to 2021) movie. A limited number of one off, original pieces were made, half of which were hand selected for the set. (A few runner-up pieces are available for sale.) As the filming was progressing in total secrecy I turned to Frank Herbert’s visionary and philosophical thoughts embedded in the novel about: logic, perfection, art and change.

Raku Pottery and Perfection

Can you aim for perfection in Raku? It is difficult to tell, but if you hold a piece in hand and there’s nothing to add or take away, that’s enough. And some objects of this series made that far.

I tend to think that unconscious, pervasive need for a logical universe that makes sense is somehow reflected in most of the Raku pottery pieces I make.

Radical, worn surfaces, an otherworldly mood; welcome to the world of Dune.

Dune 2021 ceramics in the Shop

Deep in the human unconscious is a pervasive need for a logical universe that makes sense. But the real universe is always one step beyond logic.

There is in all things a pattern that is part of our universe. It has symmetry, elegance, and grace – these qualities you find always in that the true artist captures.

Frank Herbert: Dune