Elnaz Nourizadeh

Elnaz Nourizadeh

Born 1985 in Tehran, Iran. Lives and works Melbourne,Victoria

Bio

Elnaz's studio practice centers on ceramics and sculpture, delving into themes of connection, communication, and identity, ranging from individual experiences to broader social contexts. In 2018, while completing her Master of Fine Arts at RMIT, she expanded into installation art, further deepening her exploration of the intricate relationship between the mind and body. Elnaz’s passion for working with clay, a material inherently connected to the body, began in her early teens. This formative experience became the foundation of her focus on capturing the transformative effects of meditative states in both personal and social realms through her experimental sculptures.

In 2013, Elnaz established her artistic practice in Melbourne as a ceramicist, sculptor and ceramic teacher. Her functional ceramics quickly gained acclaim for their distinctive hand-painted designs and vibrant colours. Alongside her award-winning sculptures, her tableware has been featured in prominent publications such as The Design Files and Broadsheet,.... Elnaz’s creations have been commissioned by renowned international companies, galleries, and private collectors, including Anthropologie, Fenton & Fenton. She also maintains ongoing collaborations with esteemed partners like Mr Kitly Gallery, Market Lane and many more.


About my work

I am interested in communication and connection, mind-body philosophy, and our internal dialogues in everyday relationships. I find inspiration in conversations about how information is processed, how thinking occurs, and how our emotions and behaviors impact social life and personal relationships. I express this interest through three artistic mediums: functional ceramics, sculptures, and installation art. These creative outlets help me gain a deeper understanding of myself and my place in the world.

In my sculptures, I blend abstract and figurative shapes to convey emotional experiences in poetic forms. I explore the concept of identity as a container and strive to develop a new understanding of what it means to be human.

My ceramics foster a deeper connection between humans and objects. Each piece serves as a dialogue or monologue from a long narrative, encapsulating experiences and abstract conversations.

In my installations, I use simple materials such as clay, paper, wire, and paint to create abstract shapes. During the making process, I focus on my body’s movements, which allows me to direct my attention and observe my thoughts from a different perspective. This practice, which I call "Making Meditation," shapes the abstract objects I create and enables me to reevaluate my fundamental questions about life and existence.


Interviews