I work at the intersection of sculpture, ceramics, and performance. Clay is my primary material, and my practice is deeply process-based. I see my sculptural works as physical archives of embodied experiences, emotions, and performative gestures. The process plays a central role in my practice and is sometimes more important than the final object.
How did you discover your path in art?
I discovered clay at the age of 6 years.
The material became my haven and a tool to express myself totally free without external limitations. My path unfolded gradually through doing. I’ve always been drawn to working with my hands, but it was through clay that I realized how closely material, body and mind could be connected. Over time, my practice became less about producing objects and more about listening and observing what wants to emerge through the material.
What keeps you motivated to continue practicing your art?
Art makes me feel alive and connected to what makes us human. My artistic process allows me to stay in dialogue with myself and with the world. As long as there are questions I can’t fully answer, I feel motivated to keep working. It helps me to understand myself and to make sense of what comes to the surface. While everything around us keeps constantly changing, I can ground myself with my art and not get lost in the hype.
Looking back, what has been your personal highlight as an artist?
Creating my own studio and turning it into a space for both artistic research and shared experience. It marked a shift from working in isolation to opening my practice to others, through workshops, performances, exhibitions and collaborations. But of course my studies at one of the leading art schools in the world has shaped my artistic practice for which I am very grateful.
When do you feel most creative or productive?
When the bills are paid, and I have headspace to create without external distraction.
Who or what inspires you the most?
Of course, inspiration can be found anywhere. But I draw my inspiration mainly by looking deep inside myself. Besides that, my meditation practice, contemporary dance, and of course, the material itself. Clay is my teacher.
What small things in life bring you the greatest joy?
Oh, there is a lot, but I guess it all starts with a good night's sleep, homemade food, a movement practice, sunlight, and connection - be it with clay, myself, or loved ones.
Do you have a vision or goal that you’re currently working toward?
I’m working toward deepening the connection between performance, sculpture and meditation by developing a new series of work as well as creating spaces where others can experience creativity as a form of presence rather than achievement.
How would you define a life well-lived?
A life lived consciously, curious, honest, and courageous.
What do you do when you feel stuck or uninspired?
Get into movement and breathing. Start somewhere by getting out of my head and into my body. Clay helps me a lot with that process.
What feeling do you love the most?
Aliveness.
Which feeling do you dislike or find hardest to deal with?
From Meditation I learned there are no bad feelings. But of course some feelings are harder to deal with than others. Feeling lost is probably one of the hardest ones. Having said that, I feel fortunate to have experienced the beauty of the creative process and how it can teach you to embrace the unknown. Grief is also particularly difficult. Especially since it often comes with a lack of energy. Any of these feelings though are invitation to be with them, get to know them and feel them. The beauty of being an artist is that you can use it and let it transform through your work.
What’s your favorite movie - the first one that comes to mind?
Call me by your name by Luca Guadagnino.
What’s a book you’d recommend to anyone - the first one that comes to mind
Letting Go by David R Hawkins.
If you could listen to only one song for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
Mhhh, that's a tough one - I guess the sound of the ocean.
What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?
Chocolate.
Is there a food or drink you can’t live without?
Besides chocolate it’s water and lasagne.
Where is your happy place - at home, in nature, or somewhere else entirely?
In the studio, creating or my bed sleeping.
Name an artist or person who inspires you - the first one that comes to mind.
There are two: Marina Abramović, and Lucio Fontana.
Thanks for taking the time for our interview, Anke.
If you want to meet, create, and learn with Anke in real life, make sure you go to one of her next Ceramic Starter Workshops in Berlin, Germany!
Until next time,
Katja
Katja Krämer, founder and organizer of subcultours