Kristīne Kārkliņa

Ceramicist

Concrete smoothness

Kristīne creates functional concrete objects
Her studio is set up in the historic Zvārtava Castle
She used to work in a marketing agency

Kristīne Kārkliņa has swapped her busy life in the city for the tranquility of her hometown Zvārtava to pursue her passion for creating with her hands. Her artistic journey led her to explore the possibilities of traditional concrete techniques. These are time-consuming and physically strenuous, yet result in delicate and intricately detailed pieces that blend minimalism with a meticulous attention to detail. The clean lines and unadorned forms reflect Kristīne’s fascination with the raw aesthetics of the 1960s and 1970s, although she does not draw inspiration from any particular artist. Instead, her surroundings, nature, and natural processes are her biggest sources of inspiration.

Interview

How would you define what you do?: I am an artisan, designer and artist all in one. I am striving to incorporate a typical architectural material, concrete, into interior design. From candle holders to flowerpots, I create durable, handmade objects that age beautifully, can be renewed, and have a long lifespan.
In what way is your craft linked to the territory?: When I decided to work with concrete, sourcing local materials was a top priority for me. I wanted to minimise transportation, so I opted for our cement and sand. If I lived in Morocco or Italy, I would have used the local materials there instead.
What is something about your work that people do not usually know?: Unlike quick-setting materials, traditionally made concrete requires 28 days for the crystallisation process to happen and to reach its maximum strength. Sometimes this wait can be seen as a challenge testing our patience in this fast-paced world.
What does well made mean to you?: My creations must serve their purpose perfectly, but I go beyond that. I devote significant effort to post-processing, like sanding, polishing, and impregnating, to create stunning finishes. People often ask in a surprised way “Is this really concrete?”

Kristīne Kārkliņa is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1998