I grew up with nature around me, on a small island in the south of Norway. Stone, trees and the water have given me the inspiration to explore the elemental energy of clay as it is formed into ceramics; the potential which resides inside every soft lump, just waiting to be shaped and manipulated into seemingly infinite forms and finishes of handmade ceramic art. It was the three-dimensional quality of clay which led me to study art & sculpture at Avni Institute of Art in Tel-Aviv in 1993, after having travelled around the world and lived by the Mediterranean Sea for a longer period. Out of this grew the attraction to explore clay as a medium for functional pottery, and as an ceramic artist I have ever since been captivated by the enjoyment of creating custom made pottery with unique decorative beauty combined with functional simplicity. I take joy in exploring how aesthetics and quality can come together in natural harmony, sometimes emphasizing the balance by adding contrasting elements. When I moved to Amsterdam in 2002, I immediately started up-new in the same spirit. My studio is located in an artist complex in Amsterdam North where I make all my different handmade ceramics and pottery, both for shops and galleries, and to private customers in Holland and abroad. It gives me the greatest amount of pleasure in my work knowing that there are many people out there who enjoy using my handmade functional pottery, and appreciate the individuality and quality I put into each ceramic piece. Remember that every piece is made especially for you! I am happy when you can feel its presence and soul! Kari Ytterdal