Teresa
Berger

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

I live and work in the heart of Vienna. My hands-on work takes place in my atelier in the 3rd district, where I develop and produce my ceramic pieces. For more conceptual and administrative tasks – such as emails, research, and creating moodboards for commissioned projects – I work from my home studio in the 8th district.

Where is your studio located & how does it look?

My studio is located in Vienna’s 3rd district – a very central area just a few minutes’ walk from the romantic Stadtpark and the inner city. It’s a cozy souterrain space that I share with five other creatives: two painters, another ceramicist, and a carpenter. We’re all around the same age, and a few of us have known each other for some time, which makes for a very friendly and collaborative atmosphere.

Like many ateliers in Vienna, it’s one of those hidden basement studios that reveal a surprisingly spacious interior behind a small street entrance. The studio has beautiful old wooden floorboards that creak with every step and, very importantly, proper heating – a real luxury for an atelier. There isn’t much natural light, but on rainy days or in winter, it feels especially warm and intimate. It’s the kind of space where I can easily lose track of time once I’m immersed in work.

 

Are there any projects that are personally important to you—whether recently completed or currently in progress?

I’m currently working on a collaboration with my dear friend and designer Marija Dondovic, a project that has been evolving for almost a year now. Marija and I studied together at the Design Academy Eindhoven, and I feel that our shared background allows us to speak the same design language intuitively.

Together, we’re developing a series of interior objects that blur the line between sculptural art and functionality. The pieces combine ceramics and metal – with hand-sculpted ceramic legs and structural metal elements – and aim for a raw yet luxurious aesthetic inspired by the textures and forms of stones and minerals.

Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

In summer, I really enjoy Vienna’s abundance of water and the possibility of going for a swim after a day in the studio. The city has the Danube and the Old Danube, a large lake that used to be an old branch of the Danube before it was cut off in the 19th century and turned into still water. Along its shores there are piers, grassy spots for sunbathing, and boat rentals, which make it feel like a little holiday escape within the city.

When the temperatures stay above 30°C for a while and the water of the Old Danube gets very warm, I prefer swimming in the Danube itself, the current keeps it much colder and more refreshing. A beautiful spot for that is Strombad Kritzendorf, just a short drive outside Vienna.

When it’s not swimming season, I love hiking through the vineyards. In Nussdorf, you have an amazing view over Vienna, especially in the late afternoon when the city is bathed in golden light. It’s the perfect place to end the day with a snack and a glass of wine in one of the traditional wine taverns.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

One of the broader issues in Austria at the moment is the national debt and the general rise in living costs, largely influenced by political instability worldwide. Inflation has affected almost every sector – from rent to materials – and the creative field is no exception. There have been significant cuts to arts and culture funding, and these developments are putting a lot of strain on small studios and creative practitioners.

In my own practice, this means being more mindful about production processes, for example, firing the kiln only when it’s completely full. I’ve also had to adjust my prices to reflect these changes. It’s not something I see as a crisis, but rather as a shift that requires more awareness and thoughtful planning.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?

I think Vienna has developed well in recent years, especially when it comes to its culinary and hospitality scene. There’s a new openness and international spirit – you can feel it in places like Rosebar Centrala or Caphe La Lot, both founded by people who have gained experience abroad or have international backgrounds. They reflect a more cosmopolitan Vienna, one that feels connected to the world but still very local in its rhythm.

Beyond that, I think there’s been great progress in how people talk about sustainability and social responsibility. These topics have become part of everyday conversation, which is encouraging. You can see it in small but meaningful changes, like the new deposit system for plastic bottles or the growing network of bike lanes. There’s still a gap between awareness and action, but it feels like Vienna is moving in the right direction.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

One of my favorite hidden gems is Bäckerei Arthur Grimm in the 1st district, on Kurrentgasse. They have a few shops around Vienna, but this one is the original bakery where everything is still made on-site. It’s a tiny place that feels like stepping back in time – the smell when you walk in is incredible. They’re known for their Jourgebäck, miniature versions of classic Austrian pastries and bread rolls. During carnival season, they even make tiny Krapfen – the Austrian version of donuts, filled with jam. It’s one of those places that preserve traditional craftsmanship in the most charming and delicious way.

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

I have Bohemian roots, like many people born in Vienna, so I’m drawn to places like Nordpol in the 2nd district, a cozy, bohemian kitchen serving hearty dishes like dumplings and Powidltascherl (flat dumplings filled with plum jam). As someone with a sweet tooth, I love that in Austrian cuisine it’s perfectly acceptable to have a soup as a starter and then a sweet dish as a main course. 

Another favourite is Diego’s – Street Food Napoletano in the 7th district, a tiny, authentic Italian spot. In the morning, grab a cornetto alla crema and an espresso, in the evening, bruschetta and an arancino. Both places are wonderfully genuine and refreshingly unpretentious, not one of those overly curated, Instagrammable spots.

Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?

I keep coming back to sweets, but that’s also a big part of Austrian food culture – Mehlspeisen, or pastries and sweet dishes, are deeply rooted in our culinary tradition. Many of them feature poppy seeds, which are especially typical of Austria. One of my favourites is Mohnzelten, originally from the Waldviertel region in Lower Austria. They’re made from a light potato dough filled with a poppy seed mixture and baked. Even though they don’t originate in Vienna, you can find them at many local markets here – for example, at the market on Freyung in the 1st district, which takes place on weekdays.

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

Instagram, which is both a blessing and a curse, is definitely one of them. It’s an important tool for me as many people discover my work there first. The downside, of course, is that it’s built to keep you scrolling, so I often spend more time on it than I’d like to.

I also use the podcast app a lot, as I love listening to podcasts while working in the studio. And then there’s the Ö1 app, it’s one of Austria’s radio stations, and I like listening to both their news and the many thoughtful programmes on social and cultural topics.

Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

Ceramics Now is one of my favourite online magazines, it’s a great source for contemporary ceramics. As I mentioned, I listen to the news on Ö1 almost every day, which helps me stay informed about current political and cultural topics. I also follow several news platforms on social media to keep up to date with what’s happening in the world.

Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?

If I were mayor for a year, I’d focus on making Vienna even more livable and accessible – especially for people who work independently or in creative fields. I’d simplify the bureaucratic side of things, especially when it comes to doing taxes, which can be quite complicated and time-consuming for self-employed people.

I’d like to see real improvements in public health services, especially women’s health. It would make such a difference to have public, dedicated women’s health centers that offer accessible information and support on hormonal health and related issues. It’s frustrating that health conditions only concerning women (like endometriosis) are still so underfunded and under-researched. That really needs to change. I would also offer a free self-care session – like a voucher for a massage or a visit to the sauna – once a month for everyone with a menstrual cycle. 

One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constrains—which one would you choose?

I’d definitely choose to live somewhere with a warmer climate, Vienna is just too cold during the winter months. Probably somewhere in Southern Europe, ideally a city by the sea. Life there feels a bit more laid-back, and people seem to really enjoy the everyday moments.