Trautner developed a passion for Nordic and Eastern classical ceramics during her studies at the Jutland Art Academy in Denmark between 1976 and 1980.  She produces functional pots, including bowls, dishes, jars and jugs.  Her focus is on the form of the piece, rather than testing the limits of the material.

Trautner’s ceramics are distinguished by their simplicity in form and decoration, which often consists of repetitive stamped motifs and coloured clay along with blue, green and white glazes.  Rooted in ancient Nordic ceramics, her work takes inspiration from Bernard Leach, and often makes reference to early Persian, Japanese and Korean ceramics.