Magdolna Toth In The Studio
The clay for me is a form of self-expression. My studio is for me a place of retreat. Where I can be my own, emerge to my conscious and subconscious self, finding success through failures, struggles; learning focus, endurance, also humility, and patience. I love to work passionately and to inspire others.
What inspires you?
The meshes, that I create, are close to my obsession of everything is interconnected. I’ve found, the network science can give me a deeper understanding of interconnectivity. The networks are of increasing importance in science. Among many others, the complex networks of society-, technology - and nature play a prominent role.
Describe your creative process.
I am testing the new, and for me unfamiliar, clays, techniques. I became very impressed with paper clay, which, with a tissue in it, crosses limits of usual clay. Now I’m testing those limits with my creations. I build from hand rolled, thin sticks tetrahedrons ( triangle based pyramid), and connecting them to each other at the top and bottom I get a hexahedron, which is the base of my 3D tissue. With this tissue I try to sculpt different forms, which reflect to my feelings, impressions.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Weightless, translucent, minimalist
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
'There's design, and there's art. Good design is total harmony. There's no better designer then nature- if you look at a branch or a leaf, it's perfect. It's all function. Art is different. It's about emotion.' Diane Von Furstenberg
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
Curiosity, to see the outcome
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
'Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.' Andy Warhol
Where do you go for inspiration?
Nature. Everyday life. Surrounding world, impressions.
