Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their life.
Age: 54
Occupation: Ceramicist.
Instagram: @karenswami
Hometown: Paris.
Studio location: Paris and Locquirec, Brittany.
Describe what you make: I’m a ceramicist, and I love to turn clay—all kinds of clay—and to look for new materials, colors, and glazes. I like to say that I’m more of a researcher than a craftswoman! As ceramics are demanding and flaws never fade away, I like to transform them into advantages and create aesthetic interest. Over time, this has become one of my specialties. Using Japanese lacquer on clay or reglazing and reglazing pieces, everything can contribute to enhancing defaults then become strengths. I work on all kinds of projects, from tableware to ceramic furniture, as long as the project amuses and challenges me.
The most important thing you’ve designed to date: I designed a vase of fame for the Carlton Hotel in Cannes, France. On the occasion of the total renovation of this mythical hotel, I was asked to create a work to collect the signatures of the stars who would pass through the hotel. This vase is almost 1.70 m high, and, a little like the Wall of Fame, is intended to receive the dedications of the participants in the Cannes film festival. Every year, this creation is enriched by new star signatures. It’s great to see one’s work evolve over time. It’s like ceramics in motion.
Describe the problem your work solves: Strictly speaking, I can’t say that my work solves problems! I concentrate mainly on creating ceramic objets d’art and it would be pretentious of me to think that my work solves problems! I just try to make careful work with a permanent aesthetic preoccupation in the hope that they will brighten up a bit some people’s everyday lives. On the other hand, if I look at the matter in a different way, I can say that my interest in clay defects, cracks, and breaks saves many of my pieces!
Describe the project you’re working on now: I’m working on a mini collection of one-off ceramic furniture and lighting pieces for Ateliers Courbet in collaboration with the gallery. I’m currently making miniature prototypes to test the different materials and combinations. I’m also finishing vessels for a new Yannick Alleno restaurant in Monte Carlo. It is a Japanese restaurant called L’Abysse and I have a lot of fun creating all these delicate porcelain pieces for such a great Chef.
A new or forthcoming project we should know about: I have a solo show on view at Ateliers Courbet in New York with very recent works. In Paris, I decided to dedicate my workshop to creating a ceramic teaching space. The official opening of the school will take place in September, which is very important because I will teach there alongside other ceramicists. And in October, I will inaugurate my new workshop in Paris in the 6th Arrondissement with an exhibition entitled “Constellations” showing new pieces and new glazes.
What you absolutely must have in your studio: I must have the ability to listen to podcasts, a boiler for tea all day long, and my dog. I also need a wall clock, because I lose track of time.
What you do when you’re not working: I spend a lot of time chatting with my children. I go for walks in nature with my dog and I really enjoy going to museums to see the antique collections. I’m lucky to spend half of my time in Paris which has many amazing museums.
Sources of creative envy: I find sources of inspiration everywhere: museums, nature, works of contemporary artists like Alev Siesbye or Magdalene Odundo.
The distraction you want to eliminate: I have no distractions I want to eliminate. I work a lot and all the distractions I choose are welcome!
Concrete or marble? Marble, especially Paesina.
High-rise or townhouse? Townhouse.
Remember or forget? Forget. I need all my energies for now.
Aliens or ghosts? Ghosts.
Dark or light? Light. Absolument.
Portrait photography by Olivier Frydman.
