Meet the maker: ceramicist Ana Kerin, founder of KANA London

Roddy Clarke meets London-based ceramicist Ana Kerin
Ana Kerin
Roddy Clarke11 December 2017

KANA London is the creation of Slovenian-born Ana Kerin and is one of the most exciting emerging ceramics brands in London today.

As well as offering a superb range of ceramics for the home, KANA also offers workshops, spreading the creativity a little further to those who are willing to learn.

We met Anna to find out more about the KANA London journey and the inspiration behind her beautiful creations.

How did Kana come about?

Kana started about 5 years ago, after I slowly developed a strong interest and curiosity in working with functional objects whilst applying a fine art technique to working with clay. It is always about creating objects that you would want to hold on to; objects that have value added to them. There was also always a very strong interest in working with food.

KANA London

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

My favourite things are the sea, islands and sea holidays. Swimming in the sea and lying on rocks heals me, and fills me with energy and inspiration. New ideas just float on the surface.

I draw other inspiration from good books, architecture, contemporary dance shows and inspiring people I work with. It’s really about having time to just observe and to see beauty in the smaller details.

What have been your biggest challenges so far?

About two years ago my hands went numb. I was in pain non-stop and couldn't sleep for weeks. I was told that I had a condition which inflamed the nerves in my hands, which the doctors had advised may stop me from continuing my passion. This health issue was really hard to accept, particularly as Kana was just starting out. I haven't even been able to talk about it for a long time. Eventually I decided that I have to either quit or work with it. I had to rethink my way of working and change from a one-person studio production into a creative studio, with a small team of really great people to help me. It is super fun but extremely challenging to let go of something that used to be just me. However, it is exciting and inspiring. My hands are feeling much better too.

What to you, is the most important element of success?

The freedom of choice. With freedom comes breathing space which is essential for creativity. I have more time to work on my art pieces and I have more collectors and clients approaching me with commissions, whilst having time and resources to invest into developing new designs. I love working on art direction for my own shoots as well as for clients - having the time and resources to do that is really rewarding. It all feeds off one another.

I love collaborations and I’ve been so lucky to work with some amazing and inspiring people. There are also more collaborations to come. I’m excited about travelling with work, being invited to teach, attending art residencies and working on further exciting projects. To me, that’s the freedom of choice and is a great outcome of success.

KANA London

Where is your happy place?

By the sea. I am dreaming of the day when I will move into a house on an island somewhere by the Mediterranean Sea.

What was your earliest childhood ambition?

It was to be an artist or to save the world. Not an easy choice between the two.

I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to be and live like Camille Cloudel, Louise Bourgeois, Frida Khalo, Gala and hang out with Dali and have a bon vivant life as Picasso, or whether I wanted to be a modern version of Robin Hood and to die fighting for justice, freedom and equality. I was pretty set on being an artist as a child. That was my pure focus, but my mum is a chairwoman for an international humanitarian organisation so I grew up surrounded with strong female leaders who haven't been far from saving the world. They set pretty high standards on how you have to live and work passionately - and how anything less than that wouldn’t be worth living for.

What is the greatest challenge in the current world?

It’s hard to live a balanced life and to cause no harm. I feel that every step we take or wherever we turn, we are causing some form of pain and injustice. All the balances are ruined. Collective guilt is something that I also feel pressure from.

Kana has recently launched the Kana Living range which is perfect for the home and also as Christmas gifts.

Here are our five favourite designs from the range:

The Rule of Thirds

KANA London

These lidded vessels are titled The Rule of Thirds based on Fibonacci’s ‘rule of thirds’ and are designed for storing life’s essentials.

Buy now, from £65

Kana Mug

KANA London

The Kana Mug is made from a signature blend of clays and has a wonderful rustic charm. It is perfect for adding a unique touch to your kitchenware.

Buy now, £28

Kana espresso cup

KANA London

The Kana espresso cup is beautifully delicate and comes in a variety of colours and glazes. They start from £20 and are great for serving coffee to guests or to enjoy your morning espresso.

Buy now, £20

Kana Large Serving Bowl

KANA London

These stunning serving bowls are extremely popular and can be seen in restaurants such as Breddos and 26 Grains. They have even been used by Jamie Oliver. Available again in different glazes and sizes.

Buy now, from £95

Kana Deep Dinner Plates

KANA London

These deep dinner plates have been used in cookbooks and restaurants, due to the striking backdrop they provide for the food. They will be fantastic for presenting home-cooked dishes when entertaining guests.

Buy now, £60

Roddy Clarke is a Design Journalist and Interior Stylist. Email him at contact@roddyclarke.com or follow him on Instagram @roddyclarkedesign.

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