ABOUt

I came to clay in 2005 when I joined the Geneva studio of Gudrun Heisecke who trained me in ceramics art. I was attracted by the way ceramics unites earth, fire and water into three-dimensional fragile yet long lasting objects.

I am inspired by the ocean, sea creatures and nature at large. I create organic irregular shapes and the clay decides how to grow in my hands to become a vase, vessel or sculpture. By recreating natural forms I hope to draw attention to the need to conserve and protect our planet.

Since 2020, with a few fellow ceramists we created the association Atelier G, a space in central Geneva for free expression of ceramic creation.

I studied economics and environmental management and currently work on decarbonisation of a large firm in the agricultural sector. I live in Geneva with my husband, son and daughter.

COLLECTIONs

Click on each collection title to see more

Driftwood

2023-2024

Latest series exploring the interaction between sea-inspired ceramic shapes and sea-shaped driftwood.

Intrigued by corals- these splendid sea creatures that build calcium structures in the most varied of shapes. A works collection to remind us that corals are disappearing...

Starting in 2013 I have continuously chased the evolving organic forms found in oceans and on land, A research that does not seem to exhaust itself, so this series keeps growing...

Iridescent silvers, golds, bronzes...Trying new glazes that confound ceramics and metal works.

My first series- using various techniques- looking at shapes that complement each other, like a lowing couple.

Installations, exhibitions and collaborations

driftwood

coral clay

light blue

2021

Spines

2017

White coral

2016

Ceramic curves

Crackles

2017

Metallics

Couples

Zebra bottles

2007

Squared

2007

Black and white

2009

Fake raku

2010

Zebra vases

2012

Inclined

2012

See through

2008

Simple forms

2012

Female and male

2007

Special projects

TREASURE CORAL FOR "BLING BLING" - 2022

Carouge international ceramics competition

Photography: Rui Nunes

Gold, silver and other precious metals so dear to humankind were formed in the ocean bed millions of years ago. Now that land-based mines are running low on accessible ores, deep-ocean mining is being considered instead. This coral-inspired sculpture with a metallic iridescent color reminds that the real treasure of the sea is not the precious metals in the ocean floor, but all the marine living creatures and the ocean itself, which provides us with food and oxygen and is the basis of life on Earth

FADING REEF FOR "AMATEURS"- 2021

My ceramics sculpture was featured in an art gallery in Nyon that exposed amateur artists. Titled "Fading Reef" it is reminiscent of corals that are bleaching and disappearing fast, due to rising ocean temperatures

MARCHÉ DES CRÉATEURS- 2021

Christmas market at Grand Saconnex. I donated all revenues from the sale of my ceramics pieces to Coral Guardian.

COMMISSIONS 2021- 2023

Mural group sculpture titled " Sea of coral flowers" commissioned in 2021 coupled with large sculpture titled " Blue flame" completed in 2023.

EXHIBITION AT CHÂTEAU DE ROLLE - 2014

Exhibition "Ceramic Curves" together with photography exhibition "Asian Memories" by Vincenzo Chiochia

Salles Chevaliers, Chateau de Rolle

donations

My ceramics is often inspired by corals I had the luck to see in tropical countries around the world. I am trying to recreate with clay the incredible forms that these little animals could create in the seas.

Corals are dying due to over-fishing, unsustainable tourism, coastal damage and most importantly climate change. If sea temperatures continue to rise at current pace, 90% of all coral reefs will bleach and disappear by 2050.

Since a few years, I have been donating revenues from the sale of my ceramics pieces to the French not for profit association Coral Guardian who transplants and grows corals in Indonesia and Spain.

See www.coralguardian.org to learn more.

Atelier G- rue schaub, 9 Geneva, Switzerland

Natigorina@hotmail.com