In Conversation With: Laura Ramirez

How would you describe what you do to someone who hasn’t seen your art?

I make ceramic pieces that are hand-built using coiling and sculpting techniques and embrace the natural feel of raw clay. This makes the pieces tactile, and viewers often comment on the need to touch them.

When were you first drawn to your art form?

In 2019, a friend took me to a throwing class at a studio in Sydney. From that moment I felt the need to work with clay, and later that year I applied to art school. Before then I never thought I would pursue a career as an artist.

Where are you based, and are any of your personal traits reflected in the design or layout of your studio?

I am currently based in Madrid. I rent a space at a shared studio and my working area reflects my meticulous nature. I am tidy and organised, which contrasts with the intuitive way I make my pieces.

Did you study fine arts or are you self-taught?

I graduated from the National Art School, Sydney, with a major in ceramics, and studying in Australia gave me the opportunity to learn about First Nations Australians. In ceramics, we work with Country, as clay is Country. We all come from country and, in the end, we all go back to it.

What draws you to your subject matter?

I lived in Australia for 11 years, during which I became an Australian citizen. My nostalgia and disconnection from my homeland led my research into sourcing and exploring a variety of earths from Spain and Australia. I am exploring ways in which I can express my dual identity – Spanish by birth, Australian by naturalisation – and celebrate the influence both have had in my life.

What’s something people may not know about what it’s like to work with clay?

Working with clay and glazes requires a lot of testing, with different raw materials, temperatures and atmospheres giving different results. On top of that,if you fire your work and it’s not completely dry, it can crack or even explode.

Is there anything you’re currently working on?

My current work is called Organelles, organic forms influenced by my background in the beauty industry. As a dermal therapist, I studied the skin and its structure. Under the microscope, we see organisms like cells, their systems and shapes. In the Organelle series, I try to convey that all life forms are interconnected, as every living thing is cellular.

If you could add one artwork to your collection, what would it be and why?

I would choose Velazquez’s Las Meninas. It’s so complex and hides so many secrets and mysteries. I love that.

Above: artist Laura Ramirez. Courtesy: the artist.