Artist statement
I like to think of what I do as sewing with clay. The thin slabs of clay are the fabric, which I cut into threads to build structures full of seams, very much like a seamstress working at her mannequin.
Paperclay gives me the possibility to defy the laws of physics and push my pieces to the limit, using the least possible support, and the least amount of clay. It amazes me every time how little is necessary to create volume. The colour helps define the pattern and adds drama to the composition. For a brief period of time, my pieces stand proud and symmetric, ready to face the kiln, which will make them more humble and do its magic to give them movement and flow. The light will do the rest, printing on the wall a net of shadows trying to escape from the seams.
Sewing with clay. A whole revelation to see how my childhood games between scraps of fabric, pins, and scissors have shaped my artistic expression. I find joy in the creative process, the fact that from a formless lump of clay I can build something original and meaningful that was not there before, or better still, it was already there, just waiting to become 3D.
Cristina Mato
Training
2010-2015: Taller 3, Escuela municipal de Artes Plásticas y escénicas de Oviedo
2014: Slipcasting and Decals with Ivan Albreht in Vallauris, France
2014: Terra Sigilata with Miguel Molet in Albelda, Spain
2013: Glazes with María Bosch in Asturias
2012: Altering thrown pieces with Gustavo Pérez in Vallauris, France
Exhibitions
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Ceramic Art andenne 2022, Andenne, Belgium
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Finalist at Concours de la Jeune Céramique Européenne 2021 - Saint-Quentin-La-Poterie, France
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Finalist at Premios ArtsFad 2021 - Disseny Hub, Barcelona
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Finalist at 15º Premio Nacional de Cerámica “Ciutat de Castelló” 2020, Castellón, C. Valenciana
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Finalist at CICA 2020 - 40th Concurso Internacional de Cerámica de L’Alcora, Alcora, Spain
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Finalist at 10th El Vendrell International Ceramics Biennale, El Vendrell, Tarragona, October 2019
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4th Cluj International Ceramics Biennale, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, October 2019
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Finalist at Premios ArtsFAD 2019 - Disseny Hub, Barcelona
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Finalist at 14º Premio Nacional de Cerámica “Ciutat de Castelló” 2018, Castellón, C. Valenciana
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Finalist at 19 Biennal de Cerámica d'Esplugues Angelina Alós, Barcelona, October 2018
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European Ceramic Context 2018 - Open Call, Bornholm, Denmark.
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Cultur 3 Club 2017 - Feria de Artistas. Gijón, Spain.
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PATRONES [wireframes] - Individual Exhibition, Valey Centro Cultural, Castrillón, Spain 2016.