Gunhild Vatn

I mostly create porcelain objects combined with various materials and different expressions.

Q&A

What craft do you work with?

I mostly create porcelain objects combined with various materials and different expressions. I have been deeply devoted to porcelain, ever since I first tried sculpting with this material. In my sculptures, I seek the illusion of industrial precision combined with the white and delicate elegance of porcelain. Constantly searching for new expressions within this material, I seek an ambiguous expression that can be beautiful but at the same time disturbing. The sculptures are casted in plaster molds and carefully mounted together into complex porcelain sculptures.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

I have a special passion for porcelain, and I try to combine this passion with my interest for politics. I believe that artists work in a symbiosis with the outside world, influenced by the life we live, our attitudes, interests, political views and believes. My artwork derives from an interest in politics and ethical dilemmas, and art as a socio – political critique is often a motivation and inspiration in my projects.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

I have a 35 square meter workspace connected to my house. The workspace is divided in separate rooms, for casting, for modeling and my studio. I have a ceramic kiln, and all the equipment I need for making plaster molds, suitable for casting with porcelain slip. I could not do without my molds, my kiln and my wooden-hand modeling tools.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

I have a passion for the traditional crafting techniques with slip casting porcelain in plaster molds. I am also very fascinated by the fantastic possibilities in working with 3-dimentional form combined with images, and colors. Maybe learn more about glazing and ceramic transfer decals.

What have you learnt or the best advice you have received that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

My best advice: Believe in what you do, and the skills you have, hold on to your ideas, your dreams and your artistic expression! My dream: I hope that we change the world through our art!