CHRISTINA MCLEAN

Music by Frank Sylvano -“Wondering” (1930)

with the Lloyd Huntley Orchestra

via the Free Music Archives

CHRISTINA MCLEAN

CERAMIc artist

Umina, Australia

Chris is one of the artists I showcased in 2019 when I did my 30 day 30 film challenge. She opened the doors of her (then) Marrickville studio for me. It was a treasure trove of ceramics, plants, and textiles. Not too far from the only “speakeasy” supermarket I’ve ever come across - it’s hidden on the first floor of a building over a pizzeria. Chris has secured this quite large space, not entirely protected from the elements except by corrugated iron sheets and sone solid walls. Read More

Photos I took that day…

In this little corner of Marrickville, she had created a rich decor which made me want to stay and explore for hours. There was beautiful light coming from one side (my favourite) allowing me to create moody “art in the making” photographs but also happy portraits. It was very easy to put Chris at ease for a photography session as she is the kindest, smiliest woman you’ll ever meet. All I had to do is chat to her from behind my lens and the gorgeous smiles appeared without any of my usual tricks (which might include rude words and offensive French jokes).

Chris’s warmth doesn’t leave her, even when she’s ultra focused at the wheel, shaping her ceramic vessels or pressing her wall art pieces, or when she’s carefully leaving her marks in clay, slowly, all over the delimited surface. She’s still smiling when opening the kiln - it can be a moment of dread as pieces can break easily at that stage. Oh well, she’ll keep working as she always does.

Being in her presence and feeling warmly welcome made me relax completely. As we quietly chatted, I trusted the process and made the images you can see above. I loved revisiting them today as they were made in the warm and fuzzy feeling that comes with a great collaboration.

Discover Chris’s work on her website and get to know her a bit better through her words below, an interview part of my 30 people making the world more beautiful.

Connect with Chris

@tradethemark | tradethemark.com

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INTERVIEW

• What's the story of your name?

  Trade the Mark - I’m a mark maker and I trade in marks.

• Where were you born and where do you live now?

  I was born in the Royal North Shore hospital and lived in Sydney, mostly the Inner West for 30+ years. We found our little piece of bush up on Darkinjung country, Umina Beach in 2018. I permanently moved here in 2020.

• What language do you speak at home? What other languages to you speak?

  I speak English, I’m embarrassed to say that’s the only language.

• Please describe what you do.

  I’m a mark maker - My practice has focused on materials and the marks that are placed upon them. I have predominantly been working with clay, with textiles coming a close second.

• What artwork(s) had the most impact on you?

  I have a beautiful woven organic textile artwork by Paula do Prado, titled Por si Vuelvo - If I Return.

  I remember getting this artwork home and the first thing I did was take a painting down and hang it. I knew where it had to go instantly, in my lounge room, where I could take it in daily. The energy and presence of this piece is palpable.

• As a child did you know what you wanted to be?

  When I was young, I was fascinated with patterns I found in nature. Fishing with my dad, I was more fixated on the scales of the fish we were catching. The organic shapes of the seaweed in the water. When we went camping for holidays, I was in my element and found so many treasures in the bush and by rivers. I don’t think I consciously thought of being an artist, just that somehow, I wanted to express this love and appreciation of nature and pattern somehow.

• What is the most extravagant thing you've done?

  Travelling for three months through Europe

• What do you love to do so much that it makes you lose all sense of time and place?

  Swimming in the ocean, gardening, and bush walking.

• What was your big break? What moment changed everything for your practice/craft?

  I don’t think I’ve had that ‘big break’; my practice has evolved organically with a lot of consistent, hard work.

• What is the most difficult hurdle you've overcome?

  Not sure if I’ve overcome it, but anxiety has been a close friend through my life. I think we have an understanding now; I know how to manage my anxiety.

• What is your favourite word and why?

  Diabolical, I just love the way it sounds. I use it in a humorous way.

• What are you 3 most important values.

  Creativity, growth, and community

• Is there anything (things) you collect?

  I collect art, particularly textiles and ceramics. I collect and nurture plants and I gather seed pods, driftwood & seaweed on my walks.

• What is your most treasured possession and why?

  A small vase that my mother made.

• What's your favourite dish?

  Lasagne is one of my favourites.

• Latest book you loved.

  The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams.

• Latest TV show you binged on.

  All the light we cannot see

• Latest film that made you love cinema all over again.

  Recently rewatched The Piano.

• Your favourite music of the moment.

  I have eclectic taste, classical, funk, to punk. Nick Cave is a constant for me.

• Name the absolute master of your craft.

  So many, Lucie Rie has always been someone that I deeply admire.

• Name one emerging artist you like.

  Rachel Farag, ceramic artist.

• If you could live anywhere?

  Right now, Japan

• Tell us about your most exiting or dream upcoming project?

  I’m looking forward to exhibiting some new work that I started making late last year and earlier this year. I’ve been sitting with these pieces; I have a few more to make and then I’d like to share them more widely.

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