10 minutes with Carin

She admits to being seduced by clay. She also reckons that her love for art started because she was madly in love with her art teacher. I do wonder though - What came first, her love for the arts or her adoration for someone who taught her more about that love?

Carin Dorrington.

In Porterville we got to know her first as a private art teacher, mentoring many of our children and now, as a full time creative, expressing herself through the arts.

Carin is also well known for her love of stray dogs. She'll pick them up off the streets, take them home, wash and feed them. That is the person behind these strong ceramic vessels. Because strong and 'standvastig' she is!

I asked Carin a few questions...

1. Where were you born:

I was born in Paarl and went to school there.

2. Studied what and where:

I studied Fine Art (Hons) at the University of Stellenbosch and also received my Higher Education Diploma there.

3. How did your passion for the arts start:

I was very fortunate to be able to take art as a school subject. The art room was my favourite place to be! I could spend hours drawing and painting, I had my very own, unique, identity there. I guess the fact that I was madly in love with the art teacher also helped a lot!

Although oil painting, mostly real and imaginary or improvised landscapes have always been my major form of expression I am currently "seduced" by the wonderfully tactile and sculptural quality of clay. I also love the fact that I cannot take myself too seriously in the world of ceramics - it has a way of keeping you grounded and humble.

4: What influences your art:

These works are mostly inspired by industrial, rural and traditional architecture, totem poles and the colourful, flat and sharp images of Pop Art. Although they are sculptural and highly decorative they also serve as functional vessels.

6. Where can your work be seen:

Agapanthus, Kalkbay

Art-at-Almenkerk, Grabouw

Art-at-Durbanville Hills, Durbanville

A gentle person. Honest and sincere and trustworthy. That is how I'd like to descibe this gem of a person. And a lover of dogs! Never forget that!

Carin will be taking part in a group exhibition in Tulbagh; 72 HOURS, 29 Sept till 1 October.

Contact her for details on her work on 0836351131.