Karené Wedekind

All the works below are handbuilt porcelain pieces. This work stems out of a need to engage the sense of touch in a way that brings body and spirit into a physical conversation. It is about embracing what it is to be human In these works I play with the push and pull of refined vs raw; controlled vs instinctive; tamed vs free; in a medium that is traditionally extremely controlled and highly refined. Surface pattern is carved into the porcelain clay with lino and ceramic tools, in a free and intuitive manner, at times drawing from the eclectic motifs of my printed textile designs. The surfaces have varied textural indentations, but are still smooth, matt and soothing to touch. Having lived in various parts of the world my cultural identity has become eclectic, and the language of pattern in my work does not subscribe to a specific culture but is instead universal.  The forms are organic with human-made 'irregularities', which appeal to the senses, are endearing and ensure that every piece is unique with its own individual sense of character which can never be copied or repeated.