Carina Claassens
CC ARTS - Design
Haarlo, Gelderland, Netherlands
Website
www.carinaclaassens.com
Email
carinaclaassens@yahoo.com
Artist Statement
Carina Claassens is an artist who creates ceramic pieces that first and foremost aim to express the natural beauty and properties of clay. Her approach is intuitive and organic, allowing her hands to act as a conduit for the natural expression.
Studio Description
Large studio in the beautiful area called the Achterhoek. It is a large, renovated barn. Besides creating her own ceramics, Carina also teaches at her studio.
What type of clay do you use?
Porcelain paper clay, Stoneware, Earthenware
What temperature do you fire to?
1050 for Earthenware and for the porcelain up to 1260 C.
What is your primary forming method?
Handbuilding with coils and slabs
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Working with oxides
Do you make any of your own tools?
Yes, using wood and old credit cards. Found objects to create interesting services on the clay body.
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Texture
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
The view and the light. Being out in nature and seeing the light change; Space
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
Good wedging table
What are your top three studio wishes?
Space.
Safety.
Inspiration.
What’s on your current reading list?
Glazes Cone 6 - Michael Bailey; The Complete Guide to Mid-Range Glazes - John Britt
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
Recycling and making my own underglazes, glazes, and clay
How do you recharge creatively?
Being alone in nature and books.
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency?
Build a small trench in the inside of the studio with a pipe through studio wall into the garden. This way you can take a hosepipe to wash floor.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome?
More complex glazes and large structures. Also pushing myself to throw larger pieces on the wheel, then manipulating it with handbuilding.
What did you first piece look like?
Sculpture combining my face and hair on the belly of a fish
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
To distribute and absorb heat/fire
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
Renette Kruger - Besides being a fab ceramist, she is also pushing herself academically.
What is your studio playlist?
BBC World Radio. Cleaning: Lauren Hill and Tracy Chapman
Why do you create art?
I do not have a choice.
What is your best studio tip?
Clean up after working, keep dust to a minimal.
Use cobalt carbonate as a replacement for cobalt oxide much better for the environment and yourself.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
Porcelain - To just be a bit more forgiving.