Welcome to the world of porcelain, grace & elegance...
by Anri Irene Ceramics
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Who is Irene? What are her passions and loves that feed her artistic work? I consider myself to be a very impressive and sensitive person, but at the same time patient and determined. I like solving challenges and I am very good at puzzles. When I was three, I already learnt to read and my favorite books were illustrated encyclopedias, historical and science fiction books of well-known classic authors, scientific literature. I’ve always been fascinated by creativity, art and the world’s mysteries. Besides porcelain, I’ve got another great passion: fragrances and herbal essences. I’ve devoted more than 20 years to learning aromatherapy and I greatly enjoy composing special diverse melody of individual aroma compounds and perfumes. |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
For me personally, there is a close connection between porcelain and natural herbal essences, because they are Nature’s gifts, containing information about our planet from the moment of its birth. Probably that’s why love of nature, plants, flowers continue to manifest themselves in the natural shapes of my botanical sculptures. I “paint” the plants and bouquets in two ways – by porcelain and fragrances (smiling).
I also like drawing in the classical sense. I am fond of some spiritual and energy practices that help me to develop self-awareness and self-perfection. I am good at fashion design and tailoring, I play the guitar and enjoy singing very much.
Tell us a bit more about your body of work in porcelain. When was your starting point and how has that journey evolved?
I guess deep inside I am a bit of an explorer, therefore I cannot stop at a single achievement or aimed results. I am always interested in learning something new and I never try being an apprentice again and again.
Regarding my porcelain flowers, it has taken me over ten years to get to the place where I produce the works you see today. And I continue to learn and improve my skills. I have never had anyone teaching me ceramics or floral design. It is only Nature as well as my desire for art, creativity that deserve all the credit.
On one hand, studying plants’ properties from an aromatherapy perspective and on the other hand, having a degree in interior design through which I learned manual modeling of interior items from different materials have led me to showcase the beauty of plants in sculpture.
At first, I begin the process by creating pictures and compositions from dried and preserved plants. I cut flowers out of paper and then comes the period of sculpturing. I have been using various materials. I started with natural clay, of course, and porcelain, although I did not have proper conditions for a full cycle of creating ceramics, I was very hands on and supervised the entire process from the first step to the final completion. Porcelain is considered as one of the most complex materials, therefore it requires a lot of patience, time, proper conditions, practical experience and skills.
Early on, air-dry polymer clay was a temporary solution. This material was also so fascinating to me that I began to study its chemical composition, physical properties, patents for inventions, and eventually I developed my own air-dry polymer clay composition to create my flowers and mini sculptures.
At the same time, I devoted a lot of time studying the history of making, discoveries, compositions secrets and recipes of ceramic (porcelain) clay bodies. I completely got involved with porcelain again as soon as my own workshop was completed with all the necessary equipment for the production of ceramics.
As with polymer, I did not stop at recreating flowers in ceramic sculpture, but I also learned to create my own porcelain recipe and made adjustments to improve all finished types of porcelain clay bodies for my personal modeling techniques. Petals of porcelain flowers can be thin like eggshells.
You’ve said that you don’t like monotony and standard things but what are some of the things that you like and that inspire variety in your precious porcelain pieces?
The way I see it is that if you do what you love and love what you do, then your work will never appear to be monotonous and standard, boring and routine to you.
Just as I like to "compose" fragrances, I like to "select" new fantasy plant varieties and embody them in porcelain sculpture.
Even more exciting is the idea of creating such unique colors from porcelain, which have not yet been shown by any ceramic sculptor before. Even a simple field or mountain flowers can present a more difficult task for a sculptor than a rose or an orchid, for example. Porcelain flowers (stem, leaves, petals) would also be considered as an advanced artwork and, absolutely, not standard. These finished artworks that I am talking about can be vertically positioned and free of any support. I speak here specifically about porcelain – one of the most complex and fancy materials used to create elegant fine ceramics.
Usually it takes many months of intellectual and physical work to develop an artwork from the initial idea to a finished product out of kiln with all manufacturing technologies, tools, devices and test samples.
In general, without falling into a routine, I am in constant search and motion dwelling in new interests, achievements for self-development and work, setting new personal goals and achieving them.
As you’ve said, nature is an endless source of inspiration for you as it is clear looking at your work. Where are some places or locations you visit to clear your mind as well as to get inspired?
Yes, you are right nature is my main source of inspiration and ideas. And this source is close to me all the time, in the immediate area where I live and work, surrounding me and all I do.
I live and work in a country house, in a forest area at the foot of mountains. Several years ago, my husband and I moved down to this remote place leaving behind the big city life. Our garden is full of many plant varieties. There is a small man-made pond with a waterfall and fish.
I also like drawing in the classical sense. I am fond of some spiritual and energy practices that help me to develop self-awareness and self-perfection. I am good at fashion design and tailoring, I play the guitar and enjoy singing very much.
Tell us a bit more about your body of work in porcelain. When was your starting point and how has that journey evolved?
I guess deep inside I am a bit of an explorer, therefore I cannot stop at a single achievement or aimed results. I am always interested in learning something new and I never try being an apprentice again and again.
Regarding my porcelain flowers, it has taken me over ten years to get to the place where I produce the works you see today. And I continue to learn and improve my skills. I have never had anyone teaching me ceramics or floral design. It is only Nature as well as my desire for art, creativity that deserve all the credit.
On one hand, studying plants’ properties from an aromatherapy perspective and on the other hand, having a degree in interior design through which I learned manual modeling of interior items from different materials have led me to showcase the beauty of plants in sculpture.
At first, I begin the process by creating pictures and compositions from dried and preserved plants. I cut flowers out of paper and then comes the period of sculpturing. I have been using various materials. I started with natural clay, of course, and porcelain, although I did not have proper conditions for a full cycle of creating ceramics, I was very hands on and supervised the entire process from the first step to the final completion. Porcelain is considered as one of the most complex materials, therefore it requires a lot of patience, time, proper conditions, practical experience and skills.
Early on, air-dry polymer clay was a temporary solution. This material was also so fascinating to me that I began to study its chemical composition, physical properties, patents for inventions, and eventually I developed my own air-dry polymer clay composition to create my flowers and mini sculptures.
At the same time, I devoted a lot of time studying the history of making, discoveries, compositions secrets and recipes of ceramic (porcelain) clay bodies. I completely got involved with porcelain again as soon as my own workshop was completed with all the necessary equipment for the production of ceramics.
As with polymer, I did not stop at recreating flowers in ceramic sculpture, but I also learned to create my own porcelain recipe and made adjustments to improve all finished types of porcelain clay bodies for my personal modeling techniques. Petals of porcelain flowers can be thin like eggshells.
You’ve said that you don’t like monotony and standard things but what are some of the things that you like and that inspire variety in your precious porcelain pieces?
The way I see it is that if you do what you love and love what you do, then your work will never appear to be monotonous and standard, boring and routine to you.
Just as I like to "compose" fragrances, I like to "select" new fantasy plant varieties and embody them in porcelain sculpture.
Even more exciting is the idea of creating such unique colors from porcelain, which have not yet been shown by any ceramic sculptor before. Even a simple field or mountain flowers can present a more difficult task for a sculptor than a rose or an orchid, for example. Porcelain flowers (stem, leaves, petals) would also be considered as an advanced artwork and, absolutely, not standard. These finished artworks that I am talking about can be vertically positioned and free of any support. I speak here specifically about porcelain – one of the most complex and fancy materials used to create elegant fine ceramics.
Usually it takes many months of intellectual and physical work to develop an artwork from the initial idea to a finished product out of kiln with all manufacturing technologies, tools, devices and test samples.
In general, without falling into a routine, I am in constant search and motion dwelling in new interests, achievements for self-development and work, setting new personal goals and achieving them.
As you’ve said, nature is an endless source of inspiration for you as it is clear looking at your work. Where are some places or locations you visit to clear your mind as well as to get inspired?
Yes, you are right nature is my main source of inspiration and ideas. And this source is close to me all the time, in the immediate area where I live and work, surrounding me and all I do.
I live and work in a country house, in a forest area at the foot of mountains. Several years ago, my husband and I moved down to this remote place leaving behind the big city life. Our garden is full of many plant varieties. There is a small man-made pond with a waterfall and fish.
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Where do you work? What is your working environment like? Is it a perfect setting or are you still looking to make changes to improve it?
My working environment has to be an ideal place for creating botanical sculpture. My studio represents a very harmonized balance of the external environment and the inner state of mind. There is a lot of positive energy, love and gratitude in my work. Ιt is simply impossible for me to fill my work with drama, stress, nervousness or suffering because my surrounding atmosphere, my beloved husband, and my grown-up and independent children support me.
I really want people who get acquainted with my work to experience this positive tune. Some of my work made from black porcelain could be perceived and interpreted as dramatic, but for me the black color represents an enigma—the depth of mysteries, the beauty of night or cosmos.
However, there is still something I plan to change in the near future. I will increase the working space in my studio, because the number of my ideas and projects is increasing. (smile)
Do you listen to music while working or do you prefer to work in silence?
Loud birdsong - every early morning. I start each day in this festive mode. The waterfall roars, bees buzz, leaves rustle in the wind. When I work at night, I listen to the sounds of cicadas and crickets.
Of course, I also listen to music of different styles and genres. I prefer classical music's modern instrumental adaptations and soul music. Sometimes, to release my emotions, I turn on the music so loud that it creates vibration in the walls. I can afford it because apart from the forest's silence, I will not disturb anyone.
What are some of the reviews and comments about your porcelain pieces that have made you smile?
The best, most pleasant and evocative feedback for me is when a person sees my porcelain flowers and instinctively leans toward them as if they were alive, to inhale the fragrance and touch the petals.
My colleagues, who deeply understand the complexities of the technological process of ceramic making, often exclaim, "How did you do it!?" You are a magician who creates magic!"
The most important thing you want to achieve through your work is…
I want my works to bring people closer to nature and remind them of the valuable and beautiful gifts of our planet. After all, porcelain comes from the bowels of our Earth. It contains the four main elements - earth, water, air, fire, and images of plants in porcelain are a demonstration of the energies of life.
In whatever man-made place they find themselves, people can always keep a piece of nature beside them which never fades away. Porcelain perpetuates bright feelings and natural beauty.
It is a good day when…
We should, of course, appreciate every new day, even if it carries a negative mood. Every passing day gives us new experiences and we gain wisdom.
However, the best days for me are filled with creative sparks, goals, plans, ideas and opportunities for their implementation. It is always ideal when circumstances develop properly and help support your endeavors.
The events you are most looking forward to are…
As for events...I guess I do not expect any special event. But, as an artist, I dream that my work is recognized and I hope they find a home with their connoisseurs—the people who can feel the meaning, feelings and emotions I have expressed. A large personal exhibition, as one of the stages of the creative path, would also be a big milestone for me.
Visit Anri's website and enjoy more of her art works.
My working environment has to be an ideal place for creating botanical sculpture. My studio represents a very harmonized balance of the external environment and the inner state of mind. There is a lot of positive energy, love and gratitude in my work. Ιt is simply impossible for me to fill my work with drama, stress, nervousness or suffering because my surrounding atmosphere, my beloved husband, and my grown-up and independent children support me.
I really want people who get acquainted with my work to experience this positive tune. Some of my work made from black porcelain could be perceived and interpreted as dramatic, but for me the black color represents an enigma—the depth of mysteries, the beauty of night or cosmos.
However, there is still something I plan to change in the near future. I will increase the working space in my studio, because the number of my ideas and projects is increasing. (smile)
Do you listen to music while working or do you prefer to work in silence?
Loud birdsong - every early morning. I start each day in this festive mode. The waterfall roars, bees buzz, leaves rustle in the wind. When I work at night, I listen to the sounds of cicadas and crickets.
Of course, I also listen to music of different styles and genres. I prefer classical music's modern instrumental adaptations and soul music. Sometimes, to release my emotions, I turn on the music so loud that it creates vibration in the walls. I can afford it because apart from the forest's silence, I will not disturb anyone.
What are some of the reviews and comments about your porcelain pieces that have made you smile?
The best, most pleasant and evocative feedback for me is when a person sees my porcelain flowers and instinctively leans toward them as if they were alive, to inhale the fragrance and touch the petals.
My colleagues, who deeply understand the complexities of the technological process of ceramic making, often exclaim, "How did you do it!?" You are a magician who creates magic!"
The most important thing you want to achieve through your work is…
I want my works to bring people closer to nature and remind them of the valuable and beautiful gifts of our planet. After all, porcelain comes from the bowels of our Earth. It contains the four main elements - earth, water, air, fire, and images of plants in porcelain are a demonstration of the energies of life.
In whatever man-made place they find themselves, people can always keep a piece of nature beside them which never fades away. Porcelain perpetuates bright feelings and natural beauty.
It is a good day when…
We should, of course, appreciate every new day, even if it carries a negative mood. Every passing day gives us new experiences and we gain wisdom.
However, the best days for me are filled with creative sparks, goals, plans, ideas and opportunities for their implementation. It is always ideal when circumstances develop properly and help support your endeavors.
The events you are most looking forward to are…
As for events...I guess I do not expect any special event. But, as an artist, I dream that my work is recognized and I hope they find a home with their connoisseurs—the people who can feel the meaning, feelings and emotions I have expressed. A large personal exhibition, as one of the stages of the creative path, would also be a big milestone for me.
Visit Anri's website and enjoy more of her art works.