Lokal Creators / Katy Hertell

Katy Hertell is a sculptor living in Helsinki. She has worked with primarily ceramics, stoneware and earthenware, since the early 90’s. She draws inspiration from Eastern and Greek mythology, from the animal world, from children and from Nature, in creating hand-built sculptures. Many know her unique Luonnonsuojelija (Nature Protector) sculptures, which double as flower pots containing a piece of the land. Katy is the mother of Lokal’s founder, Katja Hagelstam, and it has been our pleasure to have the works of a third generation presented at our gallery. These photos accompanied by a short interview are from a recent visit to her at her studio at the Cable Factory in Helsinki.

Lokal Creators / Katy Hertell

Katy Hertell is a sculptor living in Helsinki. She has worked with primarily ceramics, stoneware and earthenware, since the early 90’s. She draws inspiration from Eastern and Greek mythology, from the animal world, from children and from Nature, in creating hand-built sculptures. Many know her unique Luonnonsuojelija (Nature Protector) sculptures, which double as flower pots containing a piece of the land. Katy is the mother of Lokal’s founder, Katja Hagelstam, and it has been our pleasure to have the works of a third generation presented at our gallery. These photos accompanied by a short interview are from a recent visit to her at her studio at the Cable Factory in Helsinki.

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

Lokal Creators / Milla Vaahtera

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Lokal Creators / Rasmus Palmgren

Rasmus Palmgren is a designer who seeks new perspectives for everyday objects, always on the lookout for clever, innovative and simple solutions and a fine balance between material, aesthetics, usability and production. Over the years we have had the joy to exhibit his unique, sculptural furniture pieces.

Lokal Creators / Matti Pikkujämsä

Matti Pikkujämsä is an esteemed freelance illustrator and artist since, working in the interface of art and illustration. We visited his make-shift studio in his Helsinki apartment just before we started setting up his solo exhibition Variations.

Lokal Creators / Outi Martikainen

Outi Martikainen is a classically trained textile artist. Her works are influenced by craftworks and the practice of observation, which is so central to art. Martikainen often finds her materials in everyday life and gives them a new purpose.

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