Meet our People — Cassie Hansen

INTERVIEWER: CLAIRE DELMAR

In this edition of "Meet Our People," we sit down with the incredibly talented Cassie Hansen, a Kyneton-based ceramicist, creating midfire and stoneware vessels and objects, as well as the Editor of the design magazine, Artichoke. Cassie draws on a decade of experience looking critically at design, furniture, objects, architecture and interiors. Join us as we delve into Cassie’s journey, philosophy, and the exciting projects on her horizon.

How did you get involved in the design industry, and what have been the biggest influences on your design style?

I've come into the design world in a very roundabout way – I studied journalism at university and worked in magazines afterwards. When I moved to Melbourne in 2010, I got a job in the editorial team at Architecture Media and eventually became editor of Artichoke magazine. Through working on that magazine and getting to know designers, design and the creative process, I too wanted to try my hand at something creative.

So, after years of talking about taking a pottery class, I did, and fell instantly in love with it. That was in 2017 and I've been playing with clay ever since. Now I have this dual life between publishing and ceramics, and the architecture, interiors and objects I see in my day job really influence the shape, form and ideas behind my ceramics.

How would you describe your design philosophy and approach? In what ways do you apply these in your work?

My approach to my ceramics is grounded in common architectural philosophies - of less is more, simplicity, balance and harmony. This usually presents itself in my ceramics by a piece being "just so" - not too much, not too little. I spend a lot of time squinting at my pieces, seeing if an extra element would tip the balance over into "too fussy" and "too much" territory, or if it would bring harmony to the piece.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

I get inspiration from architecture, interiors, objects, details. I might see a tiny detail - a certain curve of a chair or the shape of a door handle - and then base a whole ceramic piece around reinterpreting that. Architectural photography also provides a lot of inspiration - the way light may fall on a piece or cast shadows.

What new design trends should we be watching? Are you a fan of trends or timeliness designs?

Timelessness, always. Trends come and go and I try not to pay much attention to them because if I do, they start to skew what I'm making. But when I make something that is grounded in what speaks to me and has always done so, I hope I'm making something with longevity.

How do you approach collaborations and commissions with clients?

Because of the nature of life, I'm time poor so I only say yes to things that truly excite me and that I will be able to do justice. Also, I think it's important to only work with nice people. You learn that lesson pretty quickly.

What’s on the horizon for you and your business?

I've had a little break but I'm back in the studio after having a baby so for now I'm keen to just get back into a rhythm, find that flow and make the pieces that have been stuck in my head this whole time.

What aspect of your business do you love the most?

I find the best moment I can have in my practice is just being in the studio, working on a piece that's really coming together, my "get shit done" playlist is on (which is much more chill than it sounds), and I realise I've been in the zone for a couple of hours and I've lost track of time. There's something very present and satisfying about those days.

As an industry leader, what advice would you offer anyone aspiring to establish a career in a design-related field?

Whether it's architecture, interiors, design or the arts, the advice is the same: If you love it, then start putting the time in. Make good things, find your community and always listen and learn.