PAULA CHIRINOS KATZ

Growing up in Lima, Peru, I was surrounded by artists, including my grandmother who owned an art gallery that was later demolished to become the house I was raised in. Despite the cultural richness of my country, I noticed a significant lack of visual heritage preservation, which fueled my desire to explore the intersection of ceramics, history, and socio-cultural contexts and combine it with my multidisciplinary background in the art field.

Although I initially pursued a BA in fashion design and management, I eventually intersected   that knowledge to other artistic disciplines. I am particularly interested in the work of Sheila Hicks, Silvia Westphalen, Louise Borgeois and El Anatsui, because they have in common the intersection between textile and sculptural practices. Ceramics hold a special place in my heart as they bring me back to my childhood. Living across an olive tree park with a life-sized clay vase at the center of the park captured my imagination with its harmonious coexistence in the green public space. This early fascination has inspired my practice and I'm constantly drawn to the tactile qualities of ceramics, from the organic imperfect surfaces to the textures that can be created. The versatility of the material also fascinates me, as it can be employed in functional objects as well as intricate sculptures. Additionally I'm interested in exploring how the cultural significance of ceramics provides a rich history and context for artistic projects.

Through my experiences, I learned that creating art is not just about the final product, but the process itself. This realization taught me the importance of patience, embracing challenges, and the power of perseverance. After traveling and experiencing different cultures, I realized that we leave a part of ourselves wherever we go. This understanding has allowed me to be more open to new perspectives and growth.

Currently, I am enrolled in a sculpture academy and conducting research on creating draped ceramic objects imbued with qualities that gain significance as amulets. My aim is to raise awareness about the value, inheritance, and traditions within a primary social group. In March 2023, my work was showcased in a collective exhibition in Madrid, Spain, titled "Tres Generaciones," alongside the work of my grandmothers and aunt, reflecting the inherited traditions within our family.

Ultimately, I seek to challenge the design market in my country and push the boundaries of what mediums and materials are capable of. I look forward to incorporating cross-disciplinary research to address the issues we face in this material world. I am keen to collaborate and learn from the diverse group of creatives and to contribute my own unique perspective; being part of the process alongside other agents, creating solutions and promoting a more responsible design approach.