Ritual Creative is a interview series where we get to know some of our favourite creatives as we consider creativity a big part of self care and practice. We start with the supercool Hulda Katarina, a Reykjavik local that is making dreamy ceramics inspired by the sea. Follow her @huldakatarina
Name:
Hulda Katarína Sveinsdóttir
Creative Outlet:
Ceramics.
Creative space:
At the moment I am just creating in my living room due to covid but I am planning to find a little studio soon when the world has healed a little bit more.
Star sign:
My star sign is Pisces.
First thing you did this morning?
I had a quick ice cold shower, it’s the best! Saves time and wakes me up.
What inspires you?
People that are true to themselves.
How did you get into ceramics?
I went to New York a few years ago and there was a ceramic studio just in the next building to where I was staying. I decided to drop by and check it out, they had a workshop but it was fully booked. I walked past the studio everyday and spied through the window (like a crazy person) to see some action. Few days passed and then the woman who was working there saw me by the window and was kind enough to invite me to try it out after hours in the studio. Two years later, having this idea stuck in my head that I could just go and study ceramics, I applied for the ceramics diploma at the Reykjavík School of Visual arts and there was no turning back.
What makes a home?
I would have to say plants. They just make everything nicer and connect you more to nature.
Favourite brand (clothing or home)?
I love the clothing brand Harmony Paris. I love everything that is designed with simplicity and quality. And for home I would say Norr11, scandi heaven.
What does ‘wellbeing’ mean to you?
Wellbeing for me is listening to my body, it’s crazy how much it can speak to you and give you signals that something’s up.
Products found in your shower / by your bath?
Dry brush, body scrub from Verandi, Lavender body lotion and a notebook (I always have some ideas in the shower).
Three things that can always be found in your kitchen cupboard/fridge?
1) Lemons. I always drink water with a squeeze of lemon in the morning.
2) Jar of Sauerkraut. I just love it so much, it goes well with everything and it’s also super good for your gut health. I really want to start making it myself as well, that’s next level.
3) Flaxseed oil. Good for everything. One of the best things about Flaxseed oil is its versatility. For starters, it can easily replace other types of oil in salad dressing, dips and sauces.
Favourite travel destination (pre covid)?
My hometown by the sea in the Philippines, Southern Leyte – literally paradise with people who always have a smile on their face. Breaks my heart that I am not going to be visiting there any time soon.
3 favourite instagram accounts?
1) My moms account. She is the funniest on instagram and has her own little thing going on. She does not care at all what people think about her. She mostly puts videos of her plants (she has like A LOT) and selfies that brightens my day.
2) Tyler Joe. He makes the funniest videos of him in his apartment and he doesn’t take himself too seriously which is something I love in influencers.
3) Tortus: Yes I am also a ceramic nerd so I can sit for two hours watching him throw a vase with one hand or just look at some technical things he does.
3 items always in your wallet / bag?
1) Vaseline: For the lips.
2) Keys: To get into my apartment and lock my bike.
3) Hand cream: Constantly working with clay and other chemicals tends to dry up your hands. So this is crucial for moi.
A song that gets you in a flow?
I love listening to the Bee Gees like a middle aged person. How deep is your love is my go to song.
Favourite form of movement/exercise?
Running. It fixes everything from not being able to throw a cylinder to being in a low energy mood.
Nighttime rituals?
I always dim the lights after dinner, to prepare my mind that it’s nighttime. I then like to spray some lavender spray on my bed linen and if I am being very ambitious I like to put lavender oil in the oil lamp and close the bedroom, so when it’s time for bed you just lay there in Lavender heaven. How often can I say Lavender?
Someone you look up to?
I look up to my mom first and foremost. She moved across the globe from the Philippines to Iceland to find work and save her family from poverty, in her twenties – the woman is a saint.
Something you’re proud of?
My Strelitzia plant, she is doing such a good job growing and it’s a little bit awkward how much I love her – she is now almost six feet tall. It’s not enough to be a crazy ceramic lady, I have to be the crazy plant lady too.
I feel most creatively fulfilled when…
My idea turns into a solid thing made out of clay and has a full function. It’s the most satisfying feeling to find that good idea after having wrecked my brain for a while.
I’m currently working on…
My seashell bowls! There is a waiting list now so I am just making them everyday. The process is quite long, I have to pour porcelain into the mold, then let it dry, take it out and repeat. After that I have to place them in the kiln and bisque fire them. When you think it’s over you have to glaze those babies and then fire them up again. It’s sort of like a good meditation session, I really enjoy the process as well because it gives me time and space to think.
This time last year, I wish I knew…
That showing vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength and it’s being honest with myself and the people around me.
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