Helene Kirchmair

Ceramicist

©Martina Kirchmair

©Marco Maria Polloniato

©Martina Kirchmair

©Helene Kirchmair

©Foto Stanger

Illusions of texture

Helene was selected to exhibit at the Ceramics Biennale
She keeps her very first sculpture as a reminder of creative freedom
She enjoys experimenting with new materials

Helene Kirchmair started her ceramic career at the age of 30. After working experiences in Scotland and Italy, she honed her skills by attending a ceramic school and guest studies at the Institute for Artistic Ceramics and Glass in Germany. Helene has an affection for using and transforming what already exists, and so integrates mixed media, ready-made and found objects into her ceramics. Clay, however, always remains her dominant and preferred material. “The pieces acquire a new value through their altered function and are placed in a new context,” Helene says. “It is a game of appearances and reality. With sense and nonsense.” For her, excellence in quality means that aesthetics, originality, execution and functionality have come together.

Interview

©Martina Kirchmair

©Marco Maria Polloniato

What special career moments have you experienced?: Already during my training I participated in exhibitions. After I was awarded two prizes at renowned ceramics competitions, I opened my workshop in 2015. Another award followed and in 2018, I was selected to represent Austria at the Ceramics Biennale in Denmark.
How meaningful is your first workpiece?: When I was a child, I attended my very first ceramics course. I produced a sculpture depicting a lady with a hat and carrying a bag. Today, this piece sits in my workshop and constantly reminds me never to give up a child's free thinking and doing.
How do you know you are happy at work?: I often laugh at myself when I am working in the studio, typically when I am yet again experimenting with unconventional materials and methods. I firmly believe my love and passion for what I do are reflected in my work.
What is your least favourite task in practising your craft?: I hate glazing, I just don't like this step in the process. The glaze gives the work a mostly shiny coating. Therefore, many of my objects are matte or unglazed.

Helene Kirchmair is a master artisan: she began her career in 2015 and she started teaching in 2015