 ASTRID DAHL Vase Sold |
 ASTRID DAHL Vase Sold |
 ASTRID DAHL Vase (P) Sold |
 ASTRID DAHL Vase Sold |
Artist's Statement
It isn't a matter of avoiding colour; rather, colour was never an option. The natural white of this clay, quite simply, worked for me. We really down to 'truth to material' and I love that this honesty is reflected in that that it is 'hand made'.
We as humans have always looked to nature for inspiration and I don't think we should ever stop! I love to take a closer look particularly at plants as the forms are just incredible in design. Design that is certainly challenging logistically; knowing the nature of clay, which makes the process all the more exciting. In essence, the flowers are a springboard for the abundant source of inspiration.
I love to work with clay as its a very 'hands on' process. The downfall of working with an earthenware clay is that the surface is still porous but we are sealing the pieces which fortunately has not changed the matt, silky appearance. Because of the relative 'softness' of this clay, we are able to spend hours sanding creating ultra fine edges,sharp points and a silky feel which contribute hugely to the overall affect.
Although; it can have heart palpatation moments, I find it a calming medium to be working in. Clay has a language of its own, combined with hands, there is a union of these two entities.
My plans for the future are uncertain. I am hoping to create and exhibit a new body of work that are limited editions but when, I am not too certain.
Biography
Awards
Winner of EDIDA 2004 and 2005 in the category of Tableware
Prominent Magazine Articles
Bloom: Issue 15 Curiosities: December 2006, Edelkoort Editions, Paris, pg12-15
De Tuin Exclusief: Nummer 23, Voorjaar 2006, Nederland, pg142-147
Garden and Home: October 2006, pg38-39
Elle Decoration (UK): October 2005, pg 158
Elle Decoration: Summer 2005, pg 48
Elle Decoration: Summer 2004, pg 36
House and Leisure: Ocyober 2004,pg 58-60
Elle Decoration: Winter 2003, pg 113
Exhibitions
Plastic Menagerie & Women's Exhibition: 1997 Java Java
Seemles: Solo Exhibition, December 1997
37 Songs: Wilson's Wharf, 1997
3rd Year Final Show: December 1997, Cecil Renaud Gallery, Technikon, Natal
Hardly Earth: February 1998, NSA
Bean Bag Bohemia: April 1998
Nine of Them: January 1998, NSA
Other Experience
Performance Art With Shoana Taylor
Yvonne Droge Wendel
Hildegard Maisel
Sarah Lovejoy
Birdman Foundry: worked in bronze casting 1999-2001
Formal Qualifications
Tertiary Education: Bachelors Degree in Technology, in Ceramics and History of Art, January 1999
National Diploma in Fine Art, 1997: History of Art 111, Ceramics 111 (Distinction), Painting 111, Drawing 111
Secondry Education
Wykeham Collegiate, Senior Certificate,1994
Subjects: English, Afrikaans, Art, Maths, Science, Technical Drawing