From Culinary Arts to Clay: An Interview with Emerging Ceramicist Claudia Barreira

The world of ceramics is brimming with artists pushing boundaries and exploring the medium’s soulful depths. One such artist captivating the contemporary scene is Claudia Barreira, the recent winner of the Ceramic Review Initiative Award at New Designers 2023. Her work, a captivating blend of ancient techniques and modern sensibilities, challenges conventional notions of ceramic art by embracing the raw, unadorned beauty of clay.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into Claudia’s artistic journey, exploring the unique influences that have shaped her practice and her passion for showcasing the often-overlooked allure of unglazed ceramics.

A Journey Ignited by Tactility and Tradition

Claudia’s path to becoming a ceramic artist is anything but linear. With a diverse background encompassing law, culinary arts, art history, and visual arts, she brings a rich tapestry of experience to her craft.

“The first time I truly connected with a medium was during a visual arts program in Canada where I discovered ceramics,” Claudia reveals. “The tactile nature of clay, its inherent unpredictability, and the deep historical significance instantly drew me in. I felt immediately at home.”

This initial spark ignited a passion that led her to pursue formal training in ceramics, culminating in a first-class BA in Contemporary Crafts from the University of Hertfordshire and, currently, an MA in Ceramics at the prestigious Royal College of Arts.

Culinary Influences: Shaping Clay Like Chocolate

It’s impossible to ignore the influence of Claudia’s culinary background on her ceramic practice. The fluidity and malleability of chocolate, she explains, share a remarkable resemblance to the clay body.

“Many of the movements I used when working with chocolate, the shaping and molding techniques, have naturally found their way into my ceramic work,” Claudia elaborates. “It’s fascinating to see this intersection of disciplines come alive in my pieces.”

Honoring Clay’s Ancestry: A Celebration of the Unglazed

Claudia’s artistic philosophy centers around a deep respect for the inherent qualities of clay. Her signature style, characterized by unglazed surfaces adorned with intricate textures, is a deliberate departure from the prevalent focus on glazed ceramics in contemporary art.

“I’m drawn to the honesty of unglazed clay,” she explains. “It allows the true essence of the material to shine through, revealing its unique character, imperfections, and all.”

This approach, she believes, fosters a more intimate connection between the viewer and the artwork. The tactile textures invite touch, encouraging a deeper engagement with the piece and prompting a reevaluation of preconceived notions about ceramics.

“People are often surprised to learn my pieces are ceramic because they’re unglazed,” Claudia shares. “It challenges the common perception that associates ceramics solely with glazed surfaces, overlooking the rich history and beauty of unglazed pottery found in ancient cultures.”

Unearthing Beauty in Imperfection: The Wabi-Sabi Ethos

Central to Claudia’s artistic vision is the Japanese aesthetic philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and the natural world. This philosophy is evident in her choice to leave the clay’s natural texture untouched, embracing the unique marks and variations imparted by the firing process.

“I want my pieces to reflect the organic nature of clay, to showcase the beauty inherent in its flaws,” Claudia explains. “Each piece carries the story of its creation, from the earth it came from to the fire that transformed it.”

A Global Palette: Exploring Clay from Around the World

Claudia’s fascination with clay extends beyond its aesthetic qualities; she’s captivated by the material’s diversity and the unique stories held within each handful of earth. Her creative process often begins with researching and sourcing clay from different corners of the globe.

“Each type of clay has its own personality, its own history,” she explains. “The variations in texture, color, and how they respond to firing are endlessly fascinating to me.”

This dedication to exploring the full spectrum of clay’s potential is evident in her debut collection, which features pieces crafted from clay sourced from Brazil, the UK, Spain, and France.

Looking Ahead: A Future Ignited by Fire and Exploration

As Claudia embarks on the next chapter of her artistic journey, she’s eager to delve deeper into ancient firing techniques like pit-firing, raku, and saggar firing. These methods, she believes, offer exciting possibilities for pushing the boundaries of her craft and further enhancing the raw, elemental beauty of her unglazed ceramics.

“My dream is to establish a studio outside London where I can fully immerse myself in these ancient firing techniques,” Claudia shares. “I’m excited to see how these methods will interact with my unglazed aesthetic and the unique clays I work with.”

Claudia Barreira’s work is a testament to the enduring power of simplicity, authenticity, and a deep respect for the inherent beauty of natural materials. By embracing the unglazed, she invites us to reconsider our perceptions of ceramic art and to appreciate the quiet elegance of clay in its purest form.

To learn more about Claudia Barreira and her work, visit her website at barrstudio.art or follow her on Instagram at @barrstudio.

Further Exploration:

• The Art of Wabi-Sabi: Delve deeper into the Japanese aesthetic philosophy that inspires Claudia’s work.
• Exploring Ancient Firing Techniques: Discover the fascinating world of pit-firing, raku, and saggar firing.
• The Beauty of Unglazed Pottery: Explore the history and artistic merits of unglazed ceramics.