daisy muses
Five Minutes With Kana London
We’re always looking to be inspired so when we met Ana Kerin, otherwise known as Kana London we knew instantly that she was our kind of woman. The London based ceramicist explores her love of sculpture and interior through handmade functional pieces for the home and it’s safe to say we want everything she creates. After experiencing her workshops at a recent event we collaborated on, we sat down with Ana to find out more…
Hi Ana! Tell us a bit about yourself…How and when did you first get into your job?
I am actually a sculptor and a painter and Kana London has developed from my love of interiors. I was interested in how to use my sculptural and painting knowledge while making functional pieces for people’s homes. While at university I started getting private commissions and then Kana London slowly became a fully formed brand from my humble beginnings when I moved to London in 2012.
We are obsessed with your work. Describe a typical day in the life of Ana Kerin?
Awwww, thank you! I’m blushing! I wake up pretty early. I start the day with a coffee (still trying to quit caffeine!), journaling or reading and I often make time for morning yoga before spending the rest of the day in the studio juggling between meetings with clients, developing new designs, testing prototypes and working on orders and commissions. Wednesday’s are my sacred alone time ‘art day’ in the studio. My evenings are divided between cooking with friends, spending time with my boyfriend or teaching classes.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I get inspired by people. I love listening to their stories, what they have been through and their different points of views. It’s like travelling. I’m in to contemporary dance and ballet so love to go to Sandler Wells or concerts at the Barbican. I also love good books and art galleries too.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you do?
My childhood dream was to sail the world while working as a photographer for National Geographic. I don’t think I’d last long in the Amazon amongst all the bugs though. My second career choice would be working as a project developer and manager for an NGO charity. I used to work as product developer for a fair trade NGO in West Africa. I’d like to find a way to close the circle and bring this back into my work.
Where is your happy place?
By the sea!
Any plans to travel this year?
I’m doing a sailing course in Croatia this August and thinking about returning to Mexico at the end of the year for another research trip.
How would you describe your style?
A combination of 80s and 90s classic with bohemian and eclectic elements.
What are your favourite pieces from our collection?
Definitely the Aphrodite necklace and the Isla Mother Of Pearl necklace.
What does jewellery mean to you?
Often it is very symbolic, nostalgic and connected to important events or people.
Silver, gold or do you like a mix?
Mostly gold but I often like to wear a mix too.
What have you got planned this year?
I am packing my bags and heading to France where I will be teaching my first Kana clay art retreat. I’m really excited and am already planning next years one.
To find out more, follow Kana London here.