Pilar Maturana

Ceramicist

Micro to macro botanical sculptures

Pilar is a sculptural ceramicist inspired by natural forms
Plant morphology and life’s evolution inform her creative aesthetic
She admires Andean pre-Columbian ceramics

Ceramicist Pilar Maturana from Santiago, Chile utilises her diverse background in fine arts, design and landscaping to create sculptural ceramics. Inspired by nature, her work features elements such as pistils, seeds, marine fragments, algae, cacti, succulents and stars. "I work with the hand-built coil technique. Although I use various stoneware clays, I prefer and have perfected my skills with porcelain," explains Pilar. Reflecting on her creative process, she draws parallels between the internal processes of nature and those of the human being. Pilar has been a member of the renowned Huara Huara Workshop since 2012. She also owns her own studio where she teaches. Her most cherished memories of her professional life include being selected to participate in the Chilean stand at the international Paris biennial of arts and crafts Revelation Grand Palais in 2019, and the great honour in 2023 when she was nominated and accepted as a member of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC).

Interview

What style defines your work?: I focus on form and volume, avoiding categories like abstract or figurative. I do not like to pigeonhole myself into a specific style, such as purely abstract or figurative. I try to remain very open to experimenting with different techniques that allow for the evolution of my work.
What aspects of nature fascinate and influence your work?: Although I have a not very scientific mind and I am a bit scattered, I love reading about plant morphology, as well as about the development and evolution of life. Botanical illustrations, ancient and modern herbariums, as well as micro and macro photographs of plants, pollen, and fungi all interest me.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: My work lies within contemporary sculptural ceramics, always respecting traditional craft and techniques. As a Chilean, I greatly admire the pre-Columbian ceramics of indigenous peoples of Latin America, especially those from the Andean region.
Why did you pursue a carrier as a ceramicist?: Ceramics grant me creative freedom to mould nature's shapes. The clay's flexibility is both comforting and demanding, teaching patience through its challenges. Understanding its nuances, like humidity and heat, fosters respect for its process.

Pilar Maturana is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2012 and she started teaching in 2021