You can see Laura Chautin’s English upbringing in her artwork. Delicate, hand-painted climbing vines flower over organically shaped porcelain tea cups, candle holders and plates, evoking a feeling of home. Every piece is unique – the beautiful result of an unpredictable process that blends Laura’s artistic style with the alchemy of clay.
Laura is wearing The Emmerson Dress in Noir Petunia Dot
Tell us about yourself!
I was born and raised in London, England, but I have moved back and forth from there to Chicago and New York. I have now been living in New York for 7 years and love it. I have a fondness for this city because my mum is from here and we would visit my grandparents yearly, it holds a special place in my heart.
How did your artistic journey begin?
It started when I was very young – I was never very good at school but I loved art class. I was also raised in a very creative world, my mum lived in London in the ’60s and ’70s and met some of her best friends there – all crazy, wonderful creatives who I grew up around.
“…you never really know how the colors will take to the final firing. I like the element of surprise in ceramics.”
Laura is wearing The Brooklyn Dress in Red Petunia Dot
How would you describe your personal and creative style?
My personal style is ever evolving but I have always loved to wear simple staples and add color – white shirts with jeans, floral and gingham dresses and always silver hoops.
Creatively my work is quite delicate and bright.
What inspires you most?
Art history, growing up in England, my family (Italian and American), flowers, Nature, architecture, my partner and my dog.
What have you learned through your work with all of these different mediums?
I am never very good at streamlining and just doing one thing, it’s more fun for me to be a little free and let my mind wander. I think working in different forms allows me to be more open minded and explore new ways of creating.
The Bergen Dress Petites in Black Cosmos Floral
What are your personal favorite pieces to create?
I love to hand-coil pieces in porcelain. They take a very long time to make but it is very rewarding when the pieces come out of the kiln. Painting on porcelain is so special – you never really know how the colors will take to the final firing. I like the element of surprise in ceramics.
How do you incorporate sustainability in your personal life?
I try to be aware and conscious in my day to day life. I’d say the most prominent ways are that I wear a lot of second hand clothing (mostly hand-me-downs from family and friends) secondly, I recycle everything, including my clay!
“I think working in different forms allows me to be more open minded and explore new ways of creating.”
How do you Honor Mother Earth?
I send her a little thank you daily. I walk a lot, I love to swim, I love to be outside – all these things allow me to appreciate and honor her!
Visit
laura-chautin.com
@laurachautin
