Clay and artist in dialogue
- Marta is inspired by the Spanish ceramic tradition, Baroque aesthetics and landscapes
- Hand-modelling and moulding are key to achieving the final forms of her pieces
- She works for prestigious institutions such as the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Royal Palace in Madrid
A translator turned ceramicist, Marta Lorca often describes emotion as the basis of her work. She approaches her craft intuitively, allowing organic shapes, rich colours and unpredictability from the kiln steer each creation's character and story. Marta's aesthetic is defined by an innovative baroque style and natural landscapes such as the seabed. From her studio in the rural town of Hoyo de Manzanares, near Madrid, Marta engages not only with the inherent limitations of clay but also with the nature that surrounds her. "I imitate in my pieces the rules that govern nature," she explains. Marta often starts from a thrown bowl form, which she hand-moulds into a more unruly piece that reflects emotions and everyday life experiences.
Interview
- Do you remember the moment you first thought about becoming a ceramicist?
- After years of working with words, I realised that I wanted to be a ceramicist when I discovered that my hands were my best communicators. I surrender to the process and pour the emotions of the moment into the piece. I create a dialogue with each of them. It is a kind of battle that ends in an entente cordiale.
- Why did you choose this profession?
- Working with clay connects me to the earth. I embrace my mistakes as I mould, and celebrate my achievements as I create. It fascinates me to lose control of the process in the kiln, to let it act. Sometimes I also realise that I give in so that the piece takes on a life of its own and finally becomes the object it wants to be. It is like a collaboration between me and the clay.
- How is your work with ceramics linked to the region where you live?
- Spain has a rich ceramic heritage, from Manises to Mayolica, Talavera, and Fajalauza. I live in a village surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty, which constantly inspires me. Every walk offers a new idea. I feel the energy of nature and channel the emotions it evokes into my creative process.
- How would you define the artistic work you do?
- I would describe it as organic, reflecting the beauty of nature and its forms. My pieces burst with colour and energy, which makes them feel alive and distinctive. There is also an element of the unexpected in my work. I enjoy challenging conventions and provoking reflection. My creations embody a baroque style, with rich and intricate details that invite exploration, while also being deeply personal. Overall, my work is a celebration of creativity and personal expression.
Marta Lorca is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2013 and she started teaching in 2020
Works
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Marta Lorca
