Northern Potters Association

The aim of the NPA is to encourage and support artists in the production of sculptural, functional, fine art and decorative studio pottery in all its forms throughout the North of England

Hessenberg, Karin

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I trained at Camberwell School of Art and started out making thrown porcelain pots which I sawdust fired.  I moved into hand-building large architectural garden pots and then progressed into making sculpture.  I am interested in the challenge of portraiture and now make full size portraits from life as well as smaller sculptures some of which are based on historical characters. All my work is made from stoneware clay with multiple glazes and high-fired in an electric kiln.

My historical sculptures are inspired by the lavish detail of the clothing shown in Elizabethan and Jacobean paintings seen in the National Portrait Gallery. I enjoy the challenge of integrating texture and colour with sculpted form. I draw on a range of ceramic skills, such as modelling, coiling, carving and sprigging to create my pieces.