From Digital to Clay: Tina Charad's Artistic Journey in Ceramics

Tina Charad, a seasoned graphic designer for film and television, has taken a bold turn from digital artistry to the tactile world of ceramics. Her journey began with an early fascination for film ignited by Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, which left her captivated by the rich visual storytelling.

At 51, Charad has crafted a notable career, contributing her talents to films like Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and La La Land. Her meticulous work often goes unnoticed but is crucial in creating the immersive environments that define these cinematic experiences. "You want to just believe that you’re there," she reflects on her role.

Despite her success in Hollywood, Charad found herself yearning for a more hands-on approach to creativity. This yearning led her to ceramics as a way to escape the digital realm she inhabited daily. Initially, her attempts at pottery were humble, but her love for the craft grew. After taking classes and even stepping back from her practice during her husband's battle with cancer, ceramics became a therapeutic outlet for her grief following his passing nine years ago.

Now, Charad produces a variety of ceramic pieces in her home studio, from plates to whimsical wall hangings, which are showcased at Pierce & Ward, a Los Angeles design studio. This September, she will feature her work in a pop-up exhibition at Clare V, with plans for a larger exhibition in 2027 in her native South Africa.

Her artistic style continues to evolve, drawing inspiration from life’s experiences, literature, and her three beloved black cats. Charad embraces a vibrant aesthetic, declaring, "I’ve never met a pattern or an over-the-top color scheme that I didn’t love." Yet beneath the playful exterior, there’s a deeper commentary on societal norms, often expressed through short poetic texts inscribed on her pieces.

While graphic design remains a pragmatic aspect of her profession, Charad is increasingly committed to her ceramic creations, enjoying the unpredictability that comes with each handmade piece. "Is this going to work? Maybe. Maybe it won’t," she muses, highlighting the thrill of her new artistic endeavor.

Source: www.vogue.com