Meet Cora, a talented ceramist based in Barcelona whose work captures the beauty of organic forms and the natural world. With an intuitive approach to her craft, Cora's creations reflect a deep emotional connection and a love for exploring the endless possibilities of shape and texture. For her, ceramics is more than just an art—it's a meditative practice that brings joy and meaning to her life.
- Hi Cora, we're curious about your preference for organic forms in your work. What draws you to these shapes, and how do they reflect your artistic vision and personal style?
All of my pieces emerge intuitively, without any prior planning. I believe they are a manifestation of my emotions at the moment of creation, a need to express something profound that takes shape in various ways.
I enjoy exploring complex forms that challenge balance and tension. Sometimes, I'm not satisfied with the result, so I step back and rebuild the piece until I achieve the fluidity and harmony I'm seeking. It is quite a therapeutic process.
- Your journey in ceramics is truly inspiring. Could you take us through your process of creating these beautiful handmade pieces? From selecting materials to shaping them into organic forms, what does your creative process entail?
My pieces are created using hand-building techniques such as pinching and coiling. The coiling technique involves layering coils of clay on top of each other and shaping them until the desired piece is formed.
It is a slow process that requires strategy and patience in the construction. I've had to learn to respect the time of the clay as well.
I enjoy experimenting with different types of clays and work exclusively with high-temperature materials.
Once the piece is completed, I let it dry slowly for a week or more. Then, I perform the first firing at 980°C, which helps close the clay's pores and allows for better glaze adherence.
After the first firing, I apply the glaze and carry out a second firing at temperatures ranging from 1250°C to 1280°C, depending on the melting point of the glaze used.
For me, mastering the entire process is essential, which is why I make my own glazes, combining various raw materials and oxides. I experiment and adjust different formulas until I find the colors that most please me.
- Your ceramics seem to embody a deep connection to nature and the environment. How does the natural world influence your choice of materials and the aesthetic of your pieces?
Nature inspires me with its continuous cycle of renewal and transformation. I see this process reflected in the creative act, where raw materials are transformed into something new, full of life and meaning.
The sea is one of my greatest sources of inspiration, along with other places that bring me calm and a sense of belonging, such as mountains, forests, or a house in the countryside where I can hear the sounds of animals.
I am particularly inspired by stones, which, although they may seem common, carry deep symbolism and history. They are silent witnesses to the world's transformations.
- Cora, we'd love for you to share with our community the significance of creation in your life. How does the act of creating nurture and contribute to your overall artistic process, as well as your lifestyle?
Creating is what drives me and gives meaning to my daily life. Each piece I make carries a part of me. For me, creation is a form of meditation, a moment when I am fully present, attuned to my instincts and emotions. This not only fuels my creativity but also contributes to my overall well-being, bringing calm, clarity, and a profound sense of accomplishment.
When I travel and take a break from my work, I feel a deep longing to create. It’s as if something essential is missing. If I’m not shaping clay, I seek other forms of creative expression, such as photography or embroidery.
I believe that art has an incredible power for healing and elevation. It allows us to expand, connect with something greater, and express what words often cannot. And when what touches us also resonates with another person, it creates a special connection. This sharing of emotions and experiences is one of the most beautiful manifestations.
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