Artist: Signe Kløve Kjær
Signe Kløve Kjær, ILLINOIS | DENMARK
View Artist's Current Work Here
Artist statement:
I am interested in working with clay as a patterned fabric. First I impress simple, repetitive patterns into slabs of clay, then I inlay a colored slip, creating a multi-sided slab of workable cloth-like material. By pushing, pulling, stretching and darting, I form three dimensional usable objects. I find joy in the ways the process irrevocably alters the previously predictable pattern, and how I can create objects that are now more fluid, soft and surprising. I find ways to translate this process of working into a variety of forms, such as pillowy trays, stretched plates and solid cubes of clay squished into bowls. Through the act of stretching and pushing, I discover how forms can engage with and transform the pattern. Working this way, I experience a deeper sense of collaboration between myself, clay, and the process. Woodfiring enhances the qualities of erosion and change in my work. Ash deposits and color variations caused by flames moving through the kiln leave permanent marks on the pots, distorting them further away from symmetry and towards something more dynamic, unexpected and unrepeatable.
I make vessels for eating and drinking. I value playfulness over practicality and I like to challenge the user with pots that invite touch, exploration and creativity.
I am interested in working with clay as a patterned fabric. First I impress simple, repetitive patterns into slabs of clay, then I inlay a colored slip, creating a multi-sided slab of workable cloth-like material. By pushing, pulling, stretching and darting, I form three dimensional usable objects. I find joy in the ways the process irrevocably alters the previously predictable pattern, and how I can create objects that are now more fluid, soft and surprising. I find ways to translate this process of working into a variety of forms, such as pillowy trays, stretched plates and solid cubes of clay squished into bowls. Through the act of stretching and pushing, I discover how forms can engage with and transform the pattern. Working this way, I experience a deeper sense of collaboration between myself, clay, and the process. Woodfiring enhances the qualities of erosion and change in my work. Ash deposits and color variations caused by flames moving through the kiln leave permanent marks on the pots, distorting them further away from symmetry and towards something more dynamic, unexpected and unrepeatable.
I make vessels for eating and drinking. I value playfulness over practicality and I like to challenge the user with pots that invite touch, exploration and creativity.
CV
Education
2024-Now | Apprentice to Simon Levin at Mill Creek Pottery, Pawnee, Illinois, US
- Studio maintenance, fired multiple train kilns and anagama, critique, communicate and collaborate with galleries.
2023-2000 | Student in Cohorts.Art, with Simon Levin as mentor
- Year long mentorship, focus on giving and receiving critique
2020-2024 | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Aarhus University, Denmark
2017-2020 | Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science, Aarhus University, Denmark
Professional Experience
2025-2000 | Design and build of small wood fired soda kiln, IL, US
- Design of kiln in google sketchup, made foundation, build kiln, arch design and build, metal and welding work.
2025-2000 | Kiln building assistant for Simon Levin, NH, US
- Build 42 cubic train kiln, operated brick saw, arch design and measurement, chimney construction, metal and welding work
2023-2024 | Potter, Hjorths Factory, Bornholm, Denmark
- Production throwing of pottery, glazing, glaze development, glaze-mixing and gas-firing.
2022-2023 | Potter, Keis & Fiedler , Ry, Denmark
- Production throwing of pottery
2022-2000 | Summer apprentice, Hjorths Factory, Bornholm Denmark
- Production throwing of pottery
2021-2000 | Intern, Tolne Gjæstgivergaard with Gregory Hamilton and Janne Hieck, Tolne Denmark
- Studio maintenance, experience with salt-firing and wood firing.
Workshop and artist in residence experience
2024-0000 | Wood-Ceramic-Sculpture residency, Brogårdens Kulturvæksthus,Ringkøbing, DK
2023-0000 | Workshop with Simon Levin, Mill Creek Pottery, IL, US
- Firing of train kiln
2023-0000 | Workshop with Justin D’onofrio, Haystack School of Craft, ME, US
- Applied color theory in working with colored porcelain
2023-0000 | ‘Understanding Glazes’ course, Ceramic Materials Workshop
- Glaze chemistry and development of glazes
Grants and honours
2024-0000 | L. F. Foght Foundation Grant for artists and craftspeople.
2024-0000 | Awarded a substantial grant from the T.H. Stillinge Foundation Grant for further education for young craftspeople
2024-0000 | Gurli and Paul Madsen’s Craftmanship Grant
2023-0000 | Klint Foundation’s Grant supporting education for designers and crafts people
2023-0000 | Gurli and Paul Madsen’s Craftmanship Grant
Shows
2025-0000 | Strictly Functional Pottery National, juried exhibition, juror: Mark Hewitt, Lancaster, PA, US
2024-0000 | Cohort group Exhibition, Good Earth Pottery, Gallery. Bellingham, WA, US.