About Möbius Keramikk

Möbius Strip

When one dimension becomes two dimensions and a non-orientable surface obtained by taking a single strip, giving one of the two ends a half twist, and then attaching the two ends.

Keramikk
(kh-er-a-m-i-k)

The Norwegian word for ceramic. 

Who We Are

I founded Möbius Keramikk based the question “can I bring my ceramic sculptural voice to functional pottery?” This question was the result of trying to find a bridge between two other important questions: who is my ideal audience? And how can I make a living as a disabled traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor? 

Art has been my favorite thing since my travels in Tuscany at the age of three. There was original artwork in my home growing up and I spent hours exploring it. This experience is what I want everyone to have access to. I decided it was paramount to make work that is affordable and readily available. As an artist I know how intimidating galleries, curators, and collectors are. I began thinking about my conceptual journey of the space between polarities and how that can be expressed. I view my pottery as sculptural vessels and use color blocking to challenge and embrace the form, making the work sculptural as well as functional.

The reality of long term TBI symptoms makes traditional means of employment extremely difficult for me as I require frequent breaks and the ability to work at my pace, slow and steady with the emphasis on slow.  

I gave myself two rules when I founded Möbius Keramikk.

The first rule: The business can grow as it is asked to and not based on my own desires.

The second rule: Acceptance that this could fail, there is no guarantee of success. In truth, this business has failed at many junctions, but through these challengess I have learned to find solutions, build bridges, and get to know my strengths and weaknesses.

2021

The current iteration of Möbius Keramikk was created in 2021 when I moved to the Gateway Arts District outside of DC in Maryland. I was able to use all I had learned since 2016 and “do it right.” I moved into my dream studio, created a body of work and took it to a tradeshow. I was ecstatic that it drew attention from my ideal customer, museum gift shops. 

2021 was also the year I also started NeuroMaps, for TBI advocacy and now TBI survivor entrepreneurial grants. I create free-hand geometric drawings while listening to lectures, podcasts, and any situation where information is being shared verbally. These drawings create a logic or “ neuro” map that assists me in turning short term memories into long term ones. It is a tool I have used since my TBI in 2003 to alleviate my poor short term memory caused by my permanent brain loss. These drawings become screen printed t-shirts, bags, ceramic coasters and trivets. NeuroMaps is the giving arm of Möbius Keramikk with 50% of profits going for advocacy and grants. 

Right now Möbius Keramikk is being asked to grow.

I have brought together a team of amazing women who excel in the areas I do not. It is a joy that I am able to spend more and more time in my personal sweet spot, creativity. I have also found manufacturing partners and am able to expand the business from ceramic tabletop and home decor into paintings, serigraphs, and other ideas stewing around my funny, resilient brain. I am so excited to see what 2024 will bring. 

About Christina

I am the artist and founder of Möbius Keramikk. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be an artist professionally.  Arts power to communicate ideas and emotions through the journey it takes you on enchants me. 

While working as a student in 2003 at St. Olaf College a freak accident occurred, leaving me with a severe Traumatic Brain Injury and  permanent brain loss in my left frontal hemisphere. Art was my salvation and that is when  I fell in love with ceramics. The physical process of handbuilding and firing clay became a great metaphor for learning to find value and beauty in my altered brain. My work explores the space between polarities, the liminal space I’ve  lived in the past 20+ years. Ultimately it is the reason I created Möbius Keramikk and later NeuroMaps.

The Spirit of a Viking

I’m 100% 3rd generation Norwegian and “have the spirit of a viking.” Scandinavian life and design philosophies are important to me personally and professionally. What I also mean is that as I face the challenges of my TBI art has been my lifeline, leading me on some amazing adventures. I often feel like a nomad as I follow the opportunities as they happen. This has given me friends, colleagues, and family  throughout the country and world who are the network that supports me.

The reality of living with long term TBI is that I am beholden to what my brain is able to give everyday, so my daily schedule fluctuates a lot. I enjoy spending my free time with friends, going to art events, being involved with the Brain Injury Association of Maryland and its check-in-chats, watching movies, and reading. I think life has a funny sense of humor; in learning to live with an injury that can and has debilitated me at times I have had to learn how to monitor and regulate myself to stay optimistic and curious. Turns out self care is the solution! As I’ve built my business team I have made self-care be a backbone of how we operate.

Fun Facts about Christina

Started a vegan bakery during the pandemic

In 2023 discovered the world of mocktails and loves engaging with that community after being sober for 7+ years.

Lived in England for a year as a child, and spent time in Tuscany, Italy where she climbed to the top of the leaning tower of Pisa at age 3.

More about Christina

  • Education

    Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, MI — MFA, 20122

    Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI — Post Baccalaureate, 2006

    St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN — BA, 2005

    Studio

    Möbius Keramikk @4100 Artisan, Brentwood, MD 2021- present

    Current Stockists

    Barnes Foundation Philadelphia, PA.

    Boca Raton Museum of Art Boca Raton, FL.

    Inhabit Warren, RI

    McNally Jackson Books, NY, NY.

    Art Fairs

    Upcoming: Shoppe Object at High Point Market, April 2024

    Shoppe Object NY, NY. February 2024

    Shoppe Object High Point, NC. 2023

    NYNOW, Javits Center, NY, NY 2021

    Fall Artisan Studio Tour, Charlottesville, VA — 2019

    American Craft Council, St. Paul, MN — 2018

    NYNOW, Javits Center, New York, NY —2018

    American Fine Craft, The Brooklyn Museum — 2017

  • WBALTV: Brain injury survivor shares message through art

    2022 Creativity Connects: Christina Osheim

    Cville Abode Magazine, 2019: Form and color: Christina Osheim’s sublime ceramics

    Art Fix Daily, 2017 5th American Fine Craft Show

  • Prince George Arts and Humanities Council Community Grant Award, 2024

    Favorite Local Artist Runner Up, Readers Choice, The Daily Progress, 2019