Hello everyone,

My name is Karolien Coolen and I'm a ceramic maker originally from Belgium but based in Turcifal, Portugal. I was introduced to ceramics in 2019 at a moment in my life where I was looking to find my true self again. 7 years of university (I have a master in African Languages and Cultures, studied philosophy and participated in a Honors Program concerning Ebola in North-Eastern DRC) in combination with a mind that already has the tendency to overthink everything, drove me a little crazy. From the moment I sat down behind the wheel I experienced a true feeling of happiness. I fell in love immediately and I never stopped. 

My search for authenticity and being surrounded by the breathtaking Portuguese landscape inspired me to work and experiment with wild clay coming from our own land or land in a close radius to our home. It brings the essence back to the beautiful practice which pottery and making ceramics is. 

I want to share with you my passion for this stunning craft by my work as well as by teaching. My ambition? To give grounding, beauty and wonder a definite place in your life.