Team Insights: Interview with Fernanda Cortes

Sunken Studio’s newest tutor, Fernanda Cortes, shares her inspirations, processes and techniques.

In April 2023, figurative ceramicist Fernanda Cortes joined the Sunken Studio team as one of our new ceramics tutors (the other, Svafa Einarsdottir, will get her own blog feature soon). Here, Fernanda shares her inspirations, processes and techniques.

“I see art as a means of inquiry and exploration, rather than a specific endpoint or goal,” explains Fernanda while we discuss the messages and themes of her work. “It allows us to examine the world through different lenses, and to ask questions about our own experiences and the broader human condition. For me, art is not just about aesthetics or technique; it is a tool for provoking thought and reflection.”

While some people come to Sunken Studio to create something practical and usable, for others it’s about self-expression and creativity. Sometimes, it’s a mixture of all of those things! 

Creativity without constraints

As makers, seeing a lump of clay transform into something different in your own hands is what it’s all about. And Fernanda is relishing working with fellow makers, at every skill level: “I find it fascinating to work with people who have never worked with clay before,” she admits. “Some are shy, while others are more assertive in their approach. Some want specific guidance, while others prefer to explore their creativity without constraints. I’m excited to continue witnessing these experiences and seeing how working with clay can positively impact their lives.”

Fernanda first encountered clay as a young girl, when her sister first introduced her to it. She’s loved it ever since, and it has taken her around the world. From Mexico to Sheffield via studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and at London’s Royal College of Art, and exhibitions across the globe. So what brought her to Sunken Studio? “I’m eager to develop my teaching skills,” she explains. Fernanda describes her colleagues Rebecca, Chris, Svafa and the rest of the team as “dedicated” to the studio and its Members, and says: “I appreciate the open approach that encourages everyone to share and fosters a sense of community.”

Image: Fernanda Cortes

Expressive potential

Fernanda originally studied industrial design, but her interest in figurative ceramic artwork began during her time at Université de Moncton in Canada as an exchange student: “I had the opportunity to work in a ceramic studio and discovered the expressive potential of clay, in contrast to the repetitive nature of industrial processes.” She was soon hooked and headed to the RCA for a Master’s. “The Royal College of Art was nothing short of amazing – I was part of a community of passionate artists who constantly learned from each other. Meeting inspirational artists further fuelled my passion for ceramics,” she explains.

This passion has taken her places, with residences, scholarships and awards that are testament to her creativity. Fernanda works with basic hand-building techniques like coiling, sculpting, carving, pinching, and using slabs of clay. But it’s the detail she applies that makes her work stand out. 

“When it comes to adding details to your work, it's important to take the time to observe and contemplate before describing what you see,” she says. “For example, you might study a hand, a shoe, or a person's facial expression and then try to translate those details into clay.”

That steady, thoughtful approach is something Fernanda will bring to her first course at Sunken Studio. She’ll take you on a six-week journey, exploring the art of storytelling and figurative ceramics. You’ll dig deep into your emotions, your memories, and all of those other inspirations that can be used to tell stories. With clay and your imagination, you’ll create characters with heart and soul, as Fernanda explains; “The workshop I’m planning will include reading, drawing and, most importantly, dialogue between students. As it’s a small group, we aim to create an intimate atmosphere where everyone can explore the complexity of character creation.”

Image: Fernanda Cortes

Explore thoughts and feelings

That focus on dialogue is important in Fernanda’s work: “When we engage in dialogue, we have the opportunity to explore our own thoughts and feelings, to challenge our assumptions, and to deepen our understanding of the world and those around us,” she reveals. And it’s also part of her creative process, which: “involves a back and forth process of activities. Firstly, I start by drawing and, during this process, it feels like I am emptying all the things that have been floating in my mind. After completing the drawing, I then start to think about the creation process, such as what type of clay I will use, the dimensions I want, and whether it’s for a specific scenario or place. I spend time preparing for sculpting – gathering images, considering proportions, and selecting tools.” 

Next in the process comes writing: Fernanda notes down fragments of stories for the character she’s creating, to help build it up and add context. “Once the sculpting is complete, I have many written fragments that I need to put together like a puzzle.” The final piece of the process is glazing, which Fernanda finds both enjoyable and challenging: “It’s a crucial moment where I take my time to decide on colour and textures. Sometimes the results are exactly what I envisioned, and other times they are not.” 

When it comes to her own work, Fernanda is able to bridge traditional ceramic techniques and contemporary artistic expression. How? “As an artist, I am attracted to timeless traditional ceramic techniques,” she explains. “I have refined my skills over years of practice and experimentation, using age-old methods to create sculptures that capture the essence of form, texture, and colour. However, my work is not confined to the past. I consider myself part of a dynamic artistic tradition that is constantly evolving and adapting to new contexts and perspectives. By combining my traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics and themes, I aim to create sculptures that are both rooted in history and relevant to the present.”

Image: Fernanda Cortes

Finding inspiration

Her inspirations are laid bare in much of her work, and she finds inspiration in both the mundane and extraordinary aspects of everyday life – everything from conversations and books, to travelling and other artists. Fernanda’s work is expressive and emotional, reflecting the human condition and lived experiences. “Through my work, I create characters and narratives that reflect my own thoughts and emotions,” she says. “By exploring these inner worlds, I am able to tap into a sense of freedom and possibility that is often unavailable in the day-to-day. This illusion of fantasy creates a space for me to experiment and explore, without the constraints of reality.”

But it’s not all creative freedom and artistic experimentation. Fernanda acknowledges that there are lots of challenges too: working with clay that doesn’t behave as she wants it to, dealing with unexpected results when opening the kiln, and ensuring that each sculpture is fired correctly. These are technical problems that need practical solutions. But she feels that promoting her artwork can be even more challenging: “It’s not just about sculpting or working with clay; it’s about how I connect with my audience and how much I am willing to share about my creative process. It involves branding myself as a product and finding ways to stand out in a crowded market. I am still struggling with this and am working to improve by speaking more about my work, sharing my knowledge, and surrounding myself with successful artists who can offer guidance.”

After a few weeks in her role at Sunken Studio, Fernanda is already busy sharing her knowledge and skill. She says: “While I understand that creativity is not just about applying techniques, I am always open to the possibility that I might be able to offer insights that could help develop concepts or bring emotions to the surface. If my contributions can be a source of inspiration and support for the Sunken Studio members, I would consider it an honour to be a part of their learning process.”

It’s a real pleasure to have Fernanda with us on that journey.

Find out more about Fernanda’s Storytelling course at Storytelling with Fernanda Cortes

You can discover more of her work via www.fernandacortes.com