Cathrine Raben Davidsen

Ceramicist

©Royal Copenhagen

©Jette Jørs

Expressing the presence of absence

Cathrine's artistic journey started after her father’s death
She is always investigating new techniques
She designed costumes and sets for the Royal Danish Ballet

The Danish visual artist Cathrine Raben Davidsen explores life, death and transformation via painting, drawing, printmaking and ceramics. She incorporates animals, figures and narrative tropes from classical mythology, folk tales and fiction. She received her master's from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, before pursuing her solo practice. Her methods are defined by her deep interest in materials, and by varying her working processes each time. She has had successful solo exhibitions in Denmark and internationally.

Interview

©Anders Hviid for Royal Copenhagen

©Royal Copenhagen

When did you become interested in art?: I lost my father when I was 13 years old. He was a fashion designer and worked for Yves Saint Laurent. I began making fashion illustration drawings as a way to connect with him. Ever since, my work has always been about transformation.
Is experimentation essential for your work?: I often move into new unknown territories. For instance, I made an animation film, a medium I had never worked with before. Experimenting in new fields helps me to develop and to never lose my curiosity, which for me is a very important driver.
How do you choose your materials?: I use materials that usually do not work well together. I mix oil with water, turpentine with ink, and in my new drawings I have used a lot of Coca Cola mixed with ink, which reacts very interestingly on the paper and in a way you can never predict.
What are your favourite techniques?: I have worked with ceramics for the past 10 years. After travelling to Mexico and Japan, I became more interested in glazes. I now do my own firings and I experiment with Japanese raku firings (with wood and sawdust). I also do salt firings, by throwing salt into the oven.

Cathrine Raben Davidsen is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2000