Sandra Torres

Originally trained as an architect, I eventually transferred my creative outlet into clay work. My ceramic education started under the wing of a master ceramist at an experimental studio in Mexico City. I then continued hands on learning in Southern California in three different studios. My ceramic education was augmented by traveling to China and Mexico to learn about traditional clay work and techniques. An apprenticeship at Studio Pieter Stockmans in Genk, Belgium, had a great impact on my work, and later directed me to be an Artist in Residence at the International Ceramics Studio in Kecskemet, Hungary. After my time in Europe, I embraced the industrial process of slip casting with all its personality and difficulties within my professional work. Functionality, ergonomics, repetition, nature and the intrinsic characteristics of the material bring to life my porcelain work. Contrast of varied color shades, their softness and sharp edges along with linear abstract motifs, result in a dramatic chromatic composition in contrast to the white surface of the porcelain. The character of my current work resides in the exploration of small but significant variations of shape, size and patterns.