Amrita Karunaratne

Ceramicist

©Amrita Karunaratne

A journey with many hurdles

Amrita battled prejudices about pottery in Sri Lanka
Her work is based on a technique already used in Pompeii
She studied ceramics in Ireland

Amrita Karunaratne opened her own workshop in 1997 in the Netherlands, but is originally from Sri Lanka. In her native country, she had to overcome many hurdles on her journey working with clay, from finding the right training course to battling prejudices. “In Sri Lanka, pottery is considered one of the lowest professions, for groups at the bottom of the caste system,” she explains. “It was extremely difficult to pursue ceramics professionally. Eventually, I got a place at a government ceramics centre, where I prepared a portfolio to apply to art colleges abroad. I then could go to Ireland to study.” In the Netherlands, barriers exist as well. “Throwing pottery is looked down upon as a hobby. It’s hard to approach galleries for exhibitions with my work.”

Interview

©Amrita Karunaratne

©Amrita Karunaratne

What were the first works you made?: Even though I made a large amount of ceramic objects during my first few years, the teapots I made during the second year of college will always stand out to me. I still have one of those teapots, which I took to my parents in Sri Lanka.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: My work is based on an ancient technique, which was already used by artisans in the Roman city of Pompeii millennia ago. I found a way of combining these old methods with modern technology, to create very organic shapes.
When did you decide to follow this craft?: I always wanted to pursue a career in the arts. When I was 15 years old, I was introduced to clay sculpting at an art class in the biggest city of Sri Lanka, Colombo. I was hooked and was also encouraged to continue in this direction by my teacher, who noticed that I had a talent.
What is your advice for aspiring ceramicists?: Don’t be afraid to follow your passion. Mind you, it’s not an easy journey, it will take blood, sweat and tears to succeed. But the end result is without any doubt worth all this effort.

Amrita Karunaratne is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1987