Rita Koenig
Rita was born in Germany before moving to New Zealand in 1994. Following her passion for Art & Design, she has received various diplomas in ceramics, design and production.
1999 she has completed her studies with a Batchelors Degree of Fine Arts. She has obtained a Masters Degree in computer graphic design as well in 2005.
Figurines - this body of work has been created over the last 2 years.
Artist Statement
Inspiration
A visit to Germany’s Royal Porcelain Manufacture Meissen, initially delivered the impetus to work figuratively. Further travels to South America deepened the urge to work and tell stories in clay. It seems to be the natural way on all continents to create narratives through figures. While searching for more ideas, I also came across the spanish porcelain manufacturer Lladro and Capodimonte of Italy, all of which are producing large numbers of highly detailed porcelain figurines.
Work
My pieces tell Stories. Stories about myself or others and sayings of old. Some stories allude to the category of conspirational theory and/or a play on newly adapted words used worldwide. However, it is also an exploration into the world of figurines.
Technology
New technological advances in the field of ceramics was the invention of fibre enforced stoneware or porcellain.
Fine white stoneware clay or porcellain is mixed with a fibres. The addition of fibres achieves incredible strength and out of the norm working processes, that surpass conservative sculpture making in clay. I have used this clay and method of working creatively since an introduction to it in Art School. Ever since that time I did further experimentation until I found the right clay and properties to allow me to add fine details to my work whilst minimising breakage and stress cracks.
Sometimes I glaze my work, sometimes I do not. I use underglazes or decals to enhance the figurine-story.
My figurines are to inspire thought, laughter or simply delight.
1999 she has completed her studies with a Batchelors Degree of Fine Arts. She has obtained a Masters Degree in computer graphic design as well in 2005.
Figurines - this body of work has been created over the last 2 years.
Artist Statement
Inspiration
A visit to Germany’s Royal Porcelain Manufacture Meissen, initially delivered the impetus to work figuratively. Further travels to South America deepened the urge to work and tell stories in clay. It seems to be the natural way on all continents to create narratives through figures. While searching for more ideas, I also came across the spanish porcelain manufacturer Lladro and Capodimonte of Italy, all of which are producing large numbers of highly detailed porcelain figurines.
Work
My pieces tell Stories. Stories about myself or others and sayings of old. Some stories allude to the category of conspirational theory and/or a play on newly adapted words used worldwide. However, it is also an exploration into the world of figurines.
Technology
New technological advances in the field of ceramics was the invention of fibre enforced stoneware or porcellain.
Fine white stoneware clay or porcellain is mixed with a fibres. The addition of fibres achieves incredible strength and out of the norm working processes, that surpass conservative sculpture making in clay. I have used this clay and method of working creatively since an introduction to it in Art School. Ever since that time I did further experimentation until I found the right clay and properties to allow me to add fine details to my work whilst minimising breakage and stress cracks.
Sometimes I glaze my work, sometimes I do not. I use underglazes or decals to enhance the figurine-story.
My figurines are to inspire thought, laughter or simply delight.
"The Chattering Class"
"Blythiz"