How do you describe what you do?
I am a multi-disciplinary artist working in video, performance, photography, drawing, printing and, most importantly, ceramics. I would describe most of my work to be minimal in some respects. I like to keep things simple but effective and I would say that about all of the mediums I use. I like exploring techniques, which is often what gives me my motivation.
How did you get started in art/design?
I have always loved making and creating and when I went out travelling away from Denmark, where I grew up, I ended up taking an art and design foundation course in Colchester, which I then carried on to gain a BA in Fine Art.
What makes your work and/or process unique?
With regards to my ceramic work - I enjoy exploring and taking chances with techniques or materials. I have, for example, gathered a great deal of clay from Mersea Island that I am using in the lockdown to explore more hand-building techniques. I was lucky enough to have gone to Mersea before the pandemic so I have enough clay to keep me occupied.
What would your top tip(s) be for anyone considering taking up art/design?
Well, for starters, I made a podcast at art school with an episode called Top Tips. This was made for art students but other people may like to listen to it:→ (https://www.irisdina.net/podcast).
I have a few ‘tips’ to remind myself of from time to time. The first one, the most crucial, is to find something that inspires and interests you. It has to make you feel motivated and stimulated for creativity. Second of all, when you have found that thing, don’t be afraid of mistakes. If something breaks then you just have the chance of making it again, but hopefully better than the first time. And thirdly, research in any way you like. That doesn’t necessarily mean reading loads of books or using up all of your data searching on the internet. Often the best research is talking with people. You can also take the opportunity to try and talk about your practice, which helps you make more sense of what and why you are making/doing.
What piece of work or project are you most proud of?
I have made a few coffee pour-overs that I am pleased with, but I am most proud of the clay workshops I delivered at Firstsite, Colchester. In terms of non-ceramics, I am very proud of my video installation “The Interviews” which was exhibited at Art Exchange.
How are you staying creative in the current lockdown?
I am doing an Art Class for Art Exchange with Tom Armstrong which really helps with keeping my weeks more structured. I also work with the clay I gathered from Mersea Island. On top of that I am trying to tidy up my website, which is more time-consuming than I thought it would be!
When you have the dreaded creative block, where do you get your ideas and inspiration from?
I allow myself to have the blocking for a bit. It must come for some reason or another but then when I am ready I like to chat with other creatives and listen to what they are up to. I also find that Instagram can be helpful for visual inspiration. Then I think it is important to just try and do something creative. If you try and just do something, inspiration comes to you quicker.
What other artist or maker do you admire and why?
Laurie Anderson is inspiring because of her total uniqueness
Claude Cahun for her individuality
Sage Cortes from @handandfire for her use of terracotta and beautiful ceramics
Mette Hjortshøj for being super Danish and of course for her ceramics too
Gillian Wearing for her concepts
Eva Hesse for her rawness
Candice Breitz for her contemporary video installations
Alexander Calder for his mobiles
Olafur Eliasson for his use of light
Martin Bridges for teaching me well
Any books on your shelf or exhibitions and events coming up that you can recommend?
Live Art Class with Iris and Tom on @artexchange
Zoom Book Club with Matt Bowman on @artexchange
Why is Colchester Makerspace important to you/or and your work?
Colchester Makerspace is where I can meet other artists and feel included in an art community. It provides a great space to create. In a basic sense, it offers equipment that I am not able to provide for myself, such as the pottery wheels, kilns, printing beds, etc. But, more importantly, I’m grateful for all of the people who are willing to share their knowledge and experience.
Social media links:
Instagram: @irisdina.art.now
Twitter: @irisdina
Website: Irisdina.net