Joke Noordstrand, a Dutch historian and a visual artist, is redefining the narrative of history through her ceramic art, focusing on the often-overlooked stories of women. Her project, “Female History in Iceland,” undertaken at the AiR Fish Factory in Stöðvarfjörður, draws from her fascination with Iceland’s stark landscapes and the rich histories of Icelandic women across generations.
Through engaging conversations and questionnaires, Noordstrand captures the essence of women’s experiences, translating them into ceramics that highlight themes of connection, protection, and resilience. Her innovative techniques range from using common clay and balloon molds to spraying clay to create unique textures. To work more sustainably, she adds leftovers as coffee grounds to the clay and usually combines the bisque and the glaze in one single firing.
From the rugged beauty of the Icelandic landscape to the intimate stories shared by women, Joke’s work captures the essence of female history with sensitivity and insight. Her art invites viewers to ponder the hidden narratives and untold stories that shape our understanding of the past and present.