Katrín Valgerdur Karlsdóttir

Creating with the elements

• Katrín pushes her materials to their limits
• She has a deep urge to make with her hands
• She uses fire as her tool

Katrín Valgerdur Karlsdóttir graduated from the Iceland Academy of the Arts in 2001. She was turning 40 at the time and although it took time to find her path, she experienced a lot on the way. She worked as an educator for many years, teaching pre-school children and wood carving to senior citizens. Now a full-time ceramic artist, she is part of “Brennuvargar” an association for ceramic artists who fire their work with flames. Every firing and each piece is different; a counterbalance to the repetitive uniformity of mass production. Her work encapsulates extremes, using fire not just as a tool but as an integral part of the work. It is a symbol of destruction and rebirth.

Interview

©Iris Stefansdottir

©Iris Stefansdottir

What do you love most about your profession?

I love the transformation from slippery mud to solid form. I love the fire I use to give my work its unique look. It is a constant battle for survival or destruction. But when there is a victory the result can be astonishingly beautiful.

Can you share one thing about your work that people don’t normally know?

I let myself make shapes without much thinking or planning. The planning comes after my intuition has talked through my hands. I like each piece to have been caressed by my hands, to give it my soul. It is not a practical approach but it is how I like it.

What is special about pit firing?

A beautiful pit fired piece is made not only by me but also by the elements of nature, earth, water, air, and fire. The final result cannot be controlled and each work is unique. The artist is a participant in the process but not in complete control.

How would you describe your connection with clay?

Whenever I pick up a piece of clay it communicates with me. I feel its softness, dampness, colour, texture. It speaks of its history; created in the ground over millions of years. Finally reaching a form I can shape, fire and make it last forever.

Katrín Valgerdur Karlsdóttir is a master artisan: she began her career in 2001 and she started teaching in 2001

Works

©All rights reserved

©All rights reserved

©All rights reserved

Where