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Clay Chronicles: Marthine Spinnangr’s Dance with Freedom and Form
In the enchanting world of ceramics, Marthine Spinnangr emerges as a storyteller, weaving narratives with clay as her medium of choice. A recent graduate in product design from Oslo Metropolitan University, her artistic journey is a dance between intuition, experimentation, and a deep connection to the ancient art of handbuilding.
Marthine, could you share a glimpse of your artistic journey and how it led you to the world of ceramics?
My journey into the realm of ceramics began seven years ago, a pivot from my background in business administration. The allure of clay captivated me, offering a profound connection to nature and an exploration of what it truly means to be human. Handbuilding became my chosen technique, a vessel for intuitive expression as forms emerged through the dance of my fingers.
Your sculptures embody a sense of artistic freedom without limitations. Can you delve into how this freedom unfolds in your creative process?
The heart of my process lies in experimentation, form exploration, biomorphism, and emotional design. I engage in an intuitive dialogue with the clay, allowing my own humanity to surface. There’s a profound connection to the earth, a timeless dance with a material so ancient that it transcends my own lifetime. Clay becomes a medium to explore the past and leave my imprint on the future through the touch of my fingertips.
How does your workspace contribute to the serenity of your creative environment, and what tools are indispensable to your craft?
My workspace is a sanctuary of serene creativity. Surrounded by inspiring individuals, the high ceiling height of my studio adds to the sense of openness. The essential tools are minimal but meaningful, with each serving a purpose in the delicate dance between artist and clay.
Your creative process involves both sketches and intuitive flow. Can you elaborate on the dialogue you share with the clay during this process?
The creative process is akin to a conversation, sometimes initiated with a sketch, other times flowing intuitively. Challenges arise when I attempt to force the clay, imposing my will on a material that has its own voice. Trusting this dialogue is paramount, allowing the form to emerge naturally, guided by the ancient wisdom encapsulated in the clay.
Are there new techniques you are eager to explore, or perhaps a current venture into land art bringing new dimensions to your workspace?
I am open to any technique that beckons exploration. Currently, my endeavors extend into land art, seamlessly integrating the natural world with my artistic space. It’s a convergence of two realms, where the outdoors becomes an extension of my creative sanctuary.
What wisdom have you gained in your ceramic journey that you’d like to share with fellow crafters?
Following inspiration is the beacon of advice I would offer. Mastery of a technique or skill opens new doors, and ceramics, with its endless possibilities, ensures that there’s always something new to learn. The beauty lies in the perpetual journey of discovery.
In the novel of Marthine Spinnangr’s artistic narrative, each sculpture is a chapter, and every stroke of clay a sentence that whispers of connection, freedom, and the timeless dance between artist and material.