Tania Kunze,
Studio Tatty K,
Littlehampton, SA
Australia
Website: http://www.tattyk.com
Email: tania@tattyk.com
Artist Statement:Tatty K (aka. Tania Kunze) is an Australian artist who teaches ceramic and mixed media art programs. Tania completed an Advanced Diploma in Ceramics in 2004 and continues to develop through exhibitions, conferences and community engagement.
Studio Description:Studio Tatty K is a small private studio with a student focus. There is on-site residency accommodation (2 person max.), 5 wheels, multiple kilns and a welcoming local community. Tania also develops solo or group exhibition work annually.
What type of clay do you use?South Australian Bennetts buff stoneware, plus white, grey or speckle midfire clay.
What temperature do you fire to?
Predominantly 1220 cone 6.
What is your primary forming method?
Wheel, handbuilding, hand carving, multi-technique nature inspired sculptural and functional objects.
What is your favorite surface treatment?
Relief style carving, heavy texturisation, impressions from natural objects.
Do you make any of your own tools?
Tania sands or whittles timber shapers and formers, plus adapts natural objects into tools.
What one word would you use to describe your work?
Organic.
What is your favorite thing about your studio?
Studio Tatty K is a hive of activity with natural light and a pot belly wood stove for winter warmth.
What is the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?
The Rohde kiln is constantly being loaded and unloaded, thankfully it has an electronic controller.
What are your top three studio wishes?
Currently planning renovations for an additional glaze lab, rebuilding a gas kiln and acquiring portable wheels for community programs.
What’s on your current reading list?
Shoji Hamada, The Australian Journal of Ceramics.
How do you save money on materials and supplies?
I buy clay by the tonne, make my own glazes and share firing costs with students.
How do you recharge creatively?
Camping, bush walks, singing, visiting other artists exhibitions, spending time with peers or connecting through online platforms.
Do you have any DIY tips for studio efficiency? Anything can be a tool! I use scrap wood, recycled toothbrushes, recycled gift cards, sticks, sea shells. Cutting wires from peg ends and fishing line.
What challenges have you given yourself to overcome? To develop a better online presence, and eventually an online shop. Also learning how to give quality video tutorials and presentations (since covid).
What did you first piece look like?
A small slab dish over a hump mould, with wriggly feet. The edges were not refined and streaky underglaze decoration, but it inspired me to continue.
What ceramic superpower would you have and why?
The ability to mend cracks or faults effectively, as it can be so disappointing when your work has to be made all over again.
Who is your ceramic art mentor and why?
Janet DeBoos, Canberra, Australia - incredible glaze knowledge, so open with sharing her skills.
What is your studio playlist?
Indy, rock, 70's, 80's and 90's, female vocalists, Freddy Mercury.
Why do you create art?
I am compelled to make objects, explore ideas, collaborate with peers and enjoy overcoming challenges. I never get bored and get a kick out of it.
What is your best studio tip?
Don't be too precious about ideas (others would use them differently anyway). Spend time developing, as your first object is usually not your best one.
If you could change one property of clay, what would it be?
Durability, its fragility can create huge disappointments, both at bone dry or when posting items.