Yolanda Ruiz

Perenne Cerámica

Ceramicist

©Agustin Sanguesa Espanol

From concrete to porcelain

Yolanda values knowledge exchange and continuous learning
She currently teaches at three art schools in Valencia
Her first work was an accessorised handbag with small ceramic tiles

The perennial quality of ceramics, hard and enduring, captivates Yolanda Ruiz. This former technical topography engineer became a full-time ceramicist after 13 years of roaming Spanish lands for civil construction projects. Yolanda left the dull concrete to embrace nature and earth as her pillar sources of inspiration. She has a degree in Artistic Ceramics from Escola d’Art i Superior de Ceràmica de Manises. She created her brand Perenne Ceramica in 2020 and took a coworking atelier in the Ciutat Fallera neighbourhood in Valencia, next to fallero artisans and other makers. Her techniques range from traditional turning and liquid clay casting to modern 3D designing and printing to produce porcelain tableware, home décor objects and accessories. Though Yolanda's processes are methodical, she achieves a whimsical expressiveness through form and colour.

Interview

©Agustin Sanguesa Espanol

©Agustin Sanguesa Espanol

What parallels can you see between your former profession and ceramics?: Resistance, failure and topography. My contact with earth and how I patiently work to transform the material into something strong, durable, yet beautiful. There is always the possibility of the material failing. I have learned to value the good outcomes and resist frustration.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?: I enjoy riding my bike to the mountains to be in contact with nature and local settlers. Elements such as flowers, strata, and natural land creases are depicted in my works. The colours I use are also taken from nature.
Could you describe your creative process?: Once I have made observations and sketches through my bicycle outings or any other travels, I give these form to define how I will integrate them to new creations. I like mixing techniques and materials like wood for my lamps and metals like brass for my jewellery line.
What do you like the most about your craft?: My contact with clay. The possibility to transform matter into a totally new creation, just like a caterpillar morphs into a beautiful butterfly. I have no fear of its frailty.

Yolanda Ruiz is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2013 and she started teaching in 2020