Melbourne artist Andi Senior has always wanted to create objects that bring art into everyday life, and working with clay has enabled her to do so.
“My background is in visual art and music. I’ve been printmaking, painting and performing in bands since childhood, and my creative practice has evolved to include ceramics, sculpture and functional objects.
FUNCTIONAL CERAMICS INSPIRED BY RITUAL, FOLKLORE AND NATURE
“I was interested in starting the brand Andi Ceramics because I wanted to create objects that bring art into everyday life. Working with clay allows me to explore ideas of ritual, connection and storytelling through pieces that are both functional and sculptural, inviting people to engage with them through daily use.”
Andi says that she is inspired by “nature, ritual and culture, playfully blending ancient influences with contemporary ideas”. “I’m drawn to folklore, symbolism, archaeology, mythology and the imperfect beauty found in handmade objects.
“The main concept behind the brand is creating thoughtfully crafted ceramics that celebrate slow making, connection and the rituals of everyday life. Each piece is made by hand, embracing the unique character and subtle variations that come from the making process.
“The Andi Ceramics aesthetic is best described as playful, earthy, tactile and expressive, balancing organic forms with bold decoration and a sense of curiosity.”
SLOW, HANDMADE CRAFTSMANSHIP
For Andi, sustainability is an important part of her creative practice: “[The work] is centred around thoughtful, small-batch production rather than mass manufacturing.”
“Every piece is handmade in my studio, allowing me to produce intentionally and minimise overproduction. I create durable ceramic objects designed to be used and cherished for years, embracing craftsmanship and longevity over fast consumption.
“Each piece is individually made, celebrating the natural variations that come with handmade processes and reducing unnecessary waste from striving for uniformity. I also continually look for ways to use materials efficiently and make considered choices throughout my practice.”
As for the future, Andi says that her long-term goals for her brand include continuing to grow it into a “sustainable creative practice”. She would also like to look into more “opportunities to exhibit my work in galleries and arts spaces, [and to] collaborate with like-minded artists and makers, and share my ceramics with a wider audience”.
“I hope to keep developing collections that blur the line between functional objects and contemporary art, while remaining committed to thoughtful, handmade processes.”
For more information about Andi Ceramics, go to www.andisenior.com and follow Andi at @andiceramics