Caroline Slotte

Caroline Slotte From the series Rose Border Multiple, Multiple Blue I, reworked second hand object, 2007

Photo: Tuukka Paikkari

Caroline Slotte From the series Rose Border Multiple, detail

Caroline Slotte From the series Gone Fishing, detail

Finnish artist Caroline Slotte's artist's statement from her website www.carolineslotte.com:

"Objects in our private sphere stir feelings in us and connect us to our history. They are tangible reminders of the past, of our own life story, and that of the family. In this way the most humble object can function as a key to the past, as a key to our inner. The poetry of everyday objects, with all the memories and associations that these objects contain: that is the starting point for my artistic practise.

"In my work I examine the memory-bearing aspect of second hand objects. What do remnants of lived lives – photographs, clothes, and other utility objects – have to say about us humans? What role do the objects in our surroundings play in the creation of continuity in our existence, and in the construction of a continuous life story?

"The manipulation of existing material is central in my work. I rework found objects, mainly second hand ceramic items, so that they take on new meanings.

"I’m interested in how the interventions direct or obstruct the associations of the viewer. The manipulated objects are characterised by a tension between the recognisable and the mysterious, the familiar and the unfamiliar. I rework the ceramics by cutting directly into it, by sculpting and sanding, and by combining elements from different objects. In this way, the work process becomes a way of questioning the material and highlighting stories contained in the objects."

Caroline is taking part in the National Norwegian Artistic Research Fellowships Programme with a practice based research project called 'Second Hand Stories'. More here.