Since 2018, ceramics has been my primary outlet for artistic expression, driven by a lifelong passion for creativity. I am particularly drawn to clay because of its plasticity and endless opportunities for manipulation and expressions.

 

My works are a blend of sculptural, conceptual and functional objects, mostly sculpted by hand, which allows for individuality in every creation. 

While my artistic expression varies across projects, I consistently gravitate towards abstract shapes and playful textures. I experiment with tactility, surfaces and structural details, as well as playing with scale, varying from smaller sizes to human scale.

 

I draw my inspiration from different aspects of life, particularly within the detailed constructions and textures from nature. I use the clay material to mimic and abstract upon elements from marine life or arrangements found in outer space.

 

I alternate between two approaches in my work; one heavily rooted in conceptual and thematic idea development; for instance, expressed through altered and challenging designs of familiar objects from the home, which forces us to see these objects in a new light. 

My other approach is characterized by a free, intuitive and explorative dialogue directly with my material. This method aims to release myself of my thinking mind and free my hands in the creative process. Working this way provides a therapeutic outlet, and it is a reaction to living in a world that constantly requires us to evaluate on everything we encounter. My artistic practice hereby serves as a means to process, reflect on and consider myself and my place in the world in a material, social, societal and everyday context. It is a way for me to relate to, but also to let go of, the world around me.

 

The methodological and thematic approach to my work is my main characteristic, merging influence from the design, art and crafts-fields. Common to my entire creative practice is a deep curiosity for my material, expressed through an experimental and explorative attitude in my work.

Beyond ceramics, I extend my creative practice into other mediums, including photography and poetry.

 

 

Marie-Louise Fenge Birk Nielsen