Nataša Kabalin

tasa.na.tasa

Ceramicist

©Marta Reljanović

From graphic design to ceramics

Nataša finds tranquillity and peace in the process of making
She wants to bring handmade ceramics back into homes
She finds the making process long, complicated, but satisfying

Originally a graphic and visual communication practitioner, Nataša Kabalin first started thinking about changing her career when she lost her job in 2009. “I was playing with a piece of clay and noticed that I really missed working in 3D. People reacted very positively to my decorative ceramic items for the home, so gradually I decided to start working on something I could put my soul into, rather than trying to find any job available,” says Nataša. She started attending ceramic workshops in Croatia and abroad, where she was introduced to different techniques and various types of clays. One thing led to another, and Nataša opened her own workshop in 2010, producing ceramic objects by casting and modelling.

Interview

©Marta Reljanović

©Marta Reljanović

What does your working process look like?: I make the models by hand, produce the casting moulds myself, and then cast the objects. The biggest challenge is to make the objects as thin as the type of clay I'm using can endure. I really like modelling functional pieces such as cups, mugs and vessels used in the home.
What do you love most about your profession?: The freedom of choosing materials and making my own creations, the possibility of transforming my ideas into finished products, and the tranquility and peace I extract from clay. The process of producing is normally long and complicated, but I never count the hours.
What are your sources of inspiration?: Nature, the environment, feelings. I often take inspiration from just following the character of the material. Sometimes I get inspired by another object or materials. I also work with raw materials, like found clay, and I tend to produce my own glazes.
What memorable moments have you had?: Every time I open the kiln to see my finished products it is exciting! But the most memorable moment was my residency in China two years ago, where I was confronted with their beautiful ceramics and learned a lot about their respected tradition.

Nataša Kabalin is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2007