Kristín S. Garðarsdóttir

Studio Subba

Ceramicist

©Hekla Flókadóttir

©Kristín Garðarsdóttir

©Hekla Flókadóttir

Holding hands

Kristín's energy is tangible in her work
She always seeks new experiences
She draws on many sources of inspiration

Kristín S. Garðarsdóttir’s studio is contained within an impressive agricultural building which used to be home to Icelandic cows. This expansive space allows her the room to experiment. She creates both functional and sculptural pieces predominately using ceramics. However, her constant boundless energy is always seeking new experiences, as such, she doesn’t limit herself to one material. She has created work in glass, textiles and draws extensively. Her pieces are playful, expressive and colourful. The work has a consistent thread running through it, a vibration that connects all her pieces but is hard to tie down. She explains that each piece "holds hands" with the last, it is a language beyond words.

Interview

©Kristín Garðarsdóttir

©Kristín Garðarsdóttir

Do you remember your first experience with clay?: The first time I worked with clay I was about 12. I remember the night before the class I couldn’t sleep, I was so excited. I loved the feel of the clay and learning about the technical things like firing. My first pieces were ugly but I was in love!
What is special about making for you?: Well I have ADHD and I find my attention can be very scattered but when I am hands on with materials, I find I get absorbed into the process. My focus is there, I can filter my inspirations and experiences into the pieces, bringing them to life.
How do you start a piece?: I am always working away in my brain, I think you would have to live inside my head to fully understand but even playing with my food I think about the shapes, colours, rearranging them. I draw a lot but it’s not a plan just ideas, it is hard to explain in words which is why I make!
What is a memorable experience in your career?: I travel a lot which gives me many ideas to sustain my practice. I have been part of some really amazing ceramic residencies, I think the best was Japan. The culture and craftsmanship speak to me; and there are some really exciting modern artists there.

Kristín S. Garðarsdóttir is a master artisan: she began her career in 1999 and she started teaching in 2001