Anne-Laure Cano

Ceramicist

Echoing the human condition

Anne-Laure creates colourful, amorphous, abstract sculptures
Her objects explore what shapes our identity
Themes of memories, loss and time are central to her work

With a background in photography and film, Anne-Laure Cano discovered ceramics later in life. Once she had, the craft became her voice and a space where she could find herself. Anne-Laure started with evening classes, obtained a degree in ceramics from City Lit College in London, and then opened her workshop around 2018. Her sensitive, abstract, fearless objects quickly got noticed and started gracing exhibitions around Europe. “I follow the clay, responding to its possibilities,” says the artisan about her artistic approach. Anne-Laure’s creative philosophy challenges traditional ideas and techniques. While she relies on classic methods of coiling and slab building, a “what if?” exploration is at the heart of every object she makes.

Interview

What are the specific ceramic techniques you master?: I use many techniques to achieve the aesthetic I am after. My approach is very experimental and intuitive. The sculptures I make are colourful and intricate. I work using various clays, glazes and textures to convey a sense of chaos and order, balance and vulnerability all at once.
What are your sources of inspiration?: My artistic practice explores what shapes our identity. I am interested in how we navigate through the memories, loss and sense of belonging. Ceramics, with its fluidity and flexibility, is my medium of choice. It grants me the freedom to create diverse forms that embody emotions.
What is something about your work that people do not usually know?: The business side of being an artist can be a lot of work. Artists often wear many hats, serving simultaneously as photographers, accountants, marketers, and agents. There is a lot more to being an artist than just creating the art.
Was there a memorable moment in your professional life?: Winning the first prize at CERCO, the international contemporary ceramics fair in Zaragoza, Spain in 2021 was a pivotal moment in my career. It was the first time I had been recognised for my work and it felt like a great validation from the ceramics world.

Anne-Laure Cano is a rising star: she began her career in 2017