Marthine Spinnangr

I am mesmerised by form exploration and love to experiment with form contrast, organic shapes, the materiality of the clay itself and combining other materials with clay.

Q&A

Artist Statement

I am currently studying medium and material based art at KHiO. I am a recent graduatefrom the Oslo Metropolitan University(2021) with a degree in product design, and in 2012 I graduatedthe University of San Francisco with a degree in business administration. My process focuses on experimentation, form exploration, biomorphism, and emotional design. My work is centered around an intuitive dialogue with the clay. The curiosity towards the complexity of the materiality of ceramics is central in her experimental explorations. My sculptures often represent an artistic freedom without limitations, where my own humanity is allowed to emerge and explore what it means to be human.

What craft do you work with?

I have worked with clay for the past 7 years, and handbuilding is my favourite technique. It allows me to fully release and work intuitively as the form emerges through my fingers.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

There is something so deeply rooted to my own human nature when I work with clay. It is like I become one with nature and I feel connected to the earth. To work with a material that is so ancient allows me to surpass my own lifetime, and go back in time at the same time as it allows me to put my imprint on the future through my fingerprints when I work.

How do you start your creative process?

I sometimes start with a sketch, and other times with just being in flow. The difficult part is when I force the clay to go somewhere, it doesnt want to go. It is a dialog that I completely trust.

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

My workspace is about having a serene work environment and I love the people surrounding me and I could not do without the high ceiling hight in my studio.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

I would try any technique. Currently working on land art, but bringing the art into my workspace.

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

I have learnt that to follow inspiration is the best advice I could ever give because there is always a new door that opens once you reach and master a technique or a certain skill. Thats the beauty of ceramics, there is always something new to learn and the inspirations are endless.