CAC Artist Q&A Series: The Animals of Robin Henschel
Robin Henschel, Animal Ornaments
If you love ceramic works that pair animal forms and function, then we are pleased to spotlight Robin Henschel, one of our long-time Clay Art Center artists, in our CAC Artist Q&A Series. Robin is known for her figurative ceramic pieces and specializes in sculpting animals. From cat sugar containers, polar bears, and rams to dragons tagines, medieval snails, and fish chimeras, her pieces contain an expressive animality that capture gazes. Welcome to Robin’s universe.
My clay odyssey commenced with an imaginary animal assignment in the seventh grade where I realized I could give form to my fantastical imaginings. Mythical beasts as well as their more prosaic fellows (warthogs, rabbits, musk oxen, etc.) continue to take shape in my studio henceforth. I am continually inspired by ancient myths and medieval manuscripts with their expansive ideas of reality and by a reciprocal idea of anthropomorphism. We are animals and animals are us. Functionality is also a goal of my work as I feel that physical interaction with the piece adds to a continuing appreciation.
Robin Henschel artist statement from fivecrows.com
Robin Henschel, Polar bears
Robin Henschel, Cat Cookie Jar
Artist Q&A
What references do you find yourself drawn to for your animal pieces? How do you imagine your pieces living in their new homes?
I have always been drawn to the personalities of animals and think that clay is uniquely suited in the expression of them in sculptural/functional objects because of its malleability.
I hope that my work will elicit an emotional response in its owner and that it will be used, not just set on a shelf and admired.
In the Good Morning Show this year, what led you to make a medieval snail teapot?
Medieval manuscripts are rife with tiny bizarre scenes and strange animals that reflect the thoughts of what was real or unreal at the time. I subscribe to an app that combs through the vellum and puts these marginalia on line. I find them endlessly inspiring as well as my collection of ancient beastieries. Among them are a plethora of snail/animal hybrids which i thought would make a wonderful series of teapots hence my "Marginsnailia" teapot in the "Good Morning" show at the Clay Art Center.
Robin Henschel, Marginsnailia Teapot, Good Morning Show 2020
Any artists or work you admire?
Some artists whose animal work I admire are Susan Halls with whom I took a workshop, Beth Cavener, whose complicated work is spectacular and Nick Mackman whose pieces I found online and really appreciate. I also like many non sculptural potters of course.
Robin Henschel, Dragon Candle holders. (Sold)
Robin Henschel, Unfired flock of dragons (in the studio).
How has being part of CAC for over ten years impacted your life and work?
CAC is the haven I was looking for when I moved to New York. The place where someone always knows the answer to your technical, artistic and philosophical musings and is willing to take the time to work it through with you.
I have made wonderful friends and always look forward to being and seeing everyone there.
What activities are keeping you positive right now as the community faces uncertainty?
I have been actually happy to get to do all the projects at home that I never get to do because I run off to the studio every day so this down time has not been so horrible for me. I go for walks and/or bike rides every day some with a CAC friend chatting while social distancing.
Gallery
Find more of Robin’s works in our shop!
Thank you for your time Robin!
Last note from us—
We hope everyone has been doing well. Our time right now calls for creativity more than ever as we process current events in the world. If you need a creative outlet, consider submitting a digital postcard to Connections, our digital exhibit centered on covid-19, or making a polymer clay rainbow for our Rainbows for Essential Workers project (which includes a polymer clay discount code!). We are offering free artist webinars still, and hope you will enjoy and look up our other CAC Artist Q&A’s!
Q&A put together by Jessica Zeng