Lokal: From where do you draw your inspiration for your works?

Katy: “I get my inspiration from Nature, especially animals. I feel we have so much to learn from the animals that in many ways are wiser than us humans.”

L: What are some important principles in your creative process?

K: “It’s important to me to be totally present when I work, which functions best when I’m alone in the studio. Then I can work very intuitively, and just let the clay find the way.”

L: Do you have a relationship to your works as individual pieces?

K: “Some works do become important to me personally, especially when I feel satisfied with what I’ve created.”

L: What lead you to working with ceramics? What significance does the material have in your practice?

K: “Having tried other materials like stone, wood and concrete, I ended up working with clay, which I feel is a living material. I am fascinated by the possibilities that clay offers, and the unpredictability of the material. When starting something new, I seldom have a clear picture of what it is I want to create. I trust that the clay knows. After the firing, the ready piece is at first glance a surprise, to which one has to get used to – and either accept or reject.”

Shop: Katy Hertell’s Works

Explore: Lokal Creators