Kristin Andreassen

I am curious about materials and techniques. The base of most of my work is clay. I mainly handbuild my works, but I also work with 3D-printing with clay-based materials.

Q&A

Artist Statement

I have been working with clay most of my life. I think of it as me working together with the clay, collaborating with it and challenging it to do its best, as the clay is challenging me. Porcelain gives the fine details and clear colours, but is a challenging material that will never let me take good results for granted. The surface has always been interesting to mankind. It may be seductive, treacherous, cold, warm, or have almost any character. Underneath it processes are going on that creates tensions on the surface. They are our only possibilities to understand what is happening behind the surface. Is it by studying a surface possible to have a glimpse of, or understand what is going on behind it? How do we project our own experiences to the interpretation of a surface? I am especially interested in materials and techniques, and continuously try out new techniques and surface possibilities. My own work in ceramics is much about surfaces applied on form. Whether I make abstract forms or human figures, the hidden messages behind the surface are open to interpretations for the viewer.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

I am inspired by being in nature and especially by studying plants and creatures closely. I also find it really inspiring watching skilled craftspeople working, but working myself and slowly entering the flow of a good process is the best inspiration.

How do you start your creative process?

I prepare for a good creative process by organising my workspace and my materials.

How would you best describe your workspace?

Through the years I have had many different workspaces. I like working alone and appreciate the feeling of time stopping when I work.