Kira Catani
Prior to joining Clay College, I studied and practised ceramics at a vocational school back in my home country, Finland.
Finland has a respected and strong history in modern design and during my studies in England I’ve grown to like and admire the traditional craft of British ceramics. In my work, I seek to combine and adapt both Scandinavian simplicity and traditional methods and philosophies.
I find my inspiration in the ordinary,and I often develop an idea for a piece from something beautiful I’ve seen in other people’s homes. Playing around in my head what object I think would suit that surrounding and developing my ideas further.
My final pieces are made from stoneware clays and fired in a reduction atmosphere. I’ve spent my last months at Clay College experimenting as much as possible and have been focusing on mould making.
For my final pieces, I have been trying out different ways of altering thrown pieces and using them for moulds. I find thisa spontaneous and interesting way of exploring what throwing has to offer.
Ervin Cirikovic
Email: ervin.cirikovic@gmail.com
Instagram: @ervincirikovic
Although originally from Slovenia, I would describe myself as a British potter.
Walking into a pottery workshop some years ago had a profound impact on
me, and from that point on, I gradually reorganised my life to meet my growing desire to spend more time throwing pots on the wheel. I am drawn to making pots that feel linked to their process.
I make quiet, simple forms with an emphasis on the functional qualities of each piece, using local raw materials where possible – clay, wood ash, minerals and metals – imbuing each object with a sense of place. The quality of clay and glazes are also an important consideration during the creative process and I have a particular interest in soda and wood-firing, as these methods bring a level of unpredictability which gives individual character to each pot.
Studying at Clay College has felt like a privilege. To have had the opportunity to work with wonderful people and improve my craftsmanship, through sometimes challenging and difficult circumstances, is something I will be always be grateful for. My time here has given me the courage to be able to call myself a potter and I think Stoke will always feel to me like a creative home where I hope to regularly return during my life.
I hope to make a range of stoneware pots for everyday domestic use and I aspire to make timeless pieces that can be passed on from one generation to the next.