Valdís Ólafsdóttir

Ceramicist

©Ragnhildur Finnbjornsdottir

©Valdís Ólafdóttir

The little things in life

Valdís is inspired by ice and fire
She allows herself to play with materials
The Icelandic scenery is a source of inspiration to her

The thought of living surrounded by lava would be daunting to most people, but not for Valdís Ólafsdóttir. Growing up the garden of her family summer house was filled with rocks of lava which she used as drawing material. Now, as a ceramic artist she uses this rock and ash in her porcelain, firing the materials of the landscape into her pieces. Her work is playful and creative, using unconventional tools such as pasta shapes and bubbles to mark the surface of her ceramics. The result is a surprisingly sophisticated selection of textures and colours that reflect the dramatic Icelandic terrain – dark blacks contrasted with bright white and grey, and carved surfaces reminiscent of the icy facades of glaciers. Her motto reflects this fascination in the everyday, "Litlu hlutir lífsins" or the little things in life.

Interview

©Ragnhildur Finnbjornsdottir

©Ragnhildur Finnbjornsdottir

When did you first think of working with clay?: I had been thinking about a course in ceramics for years. Then, in 2014, a woman I met at a wedding came up to me and told me to stop thinking about this road that I had been dreaming of and to just sign up and give it a go – I have not regretted it.
What was the first piece you made?: In the first class of the first evening course I attended, I made a hand-built jar with a lid. It was simple, made from a black coarse clay. After making this jar I felt a sense of belonging. Working with clay was something I wanted to be doing all the time.
Where do you draw inspiration from?: Nature is my main source of inspiration. I like to create things that connect to the Icelandic environment. I use volcanic ash in my porcelain for colour. I also hand carve my pieces creating shapes that resemble the beautiful icebergs of our glaciers.
What do you love most about your profession?: I love entering the studio in the morning knowing that I´m going to get my clothes dirty working with clay. Also, the joy of creating something and then seeing my customers happy with the objects I make.

Valdís Ólafsdóttir is a rising star: she began her career in 2020