Katrine Blinkenberg is a former priest, now working as an artist and sculptor.  She creates her own works in materials such as plaster and clay, but also teaches others in open creative workshops under FirePaperRun.

During 3daysofdesign, you can experience Katrine Blinkenberg's works exhibited at Nuura.

What’s your dream?

When I look at the world, I'm in awe of all the beauty that exists here. At the same time, so many terrible things happen, there's so much pain. It's tempting to ignore the dreadful or be overwhelmed by powerlessness. But instead, I dream that we all can strive to make the world a better place where we are. I've embarked on experimenting with transforming stones from Ukraine into glazes for my ceramic sculptures. In Sydhavn, where I reside with my family, there's a sizable community of Ukrainians. The stones for this project made their way to Denmark through a young Russian woman, whose friend hails from Ukraine, and they assisted me. All three of us dream of the same thing as most others - we dream of peace.

How do you dream of contributing to the world?

The dream of alleviating the pain in the world has always been present. Not by offering comfort, for the worst things cannot be comforted away. But by being with people who experience sorrow, loss, and pain without trying to move them from point A to point B, but simply being with them in the exact situation they find themselves in. I want to make room for reflection, whether it concerns a ceramic piece or a conversation.

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What do you think the world needs more of? And less of?

Starting with what we need less of: Many people have a strong urge to assert their opinions on various matters, often while simultaneously condemning others and their viewpoints. I would like to see less of that. Amazing things can happen when people are present, listening, and curious. I believe we should reserve our outrage for matters that truly matter, where significant injustices occur, as they do, for example, in Ukraine.

Share your thoughts on the theme “Dare to dream” 

I dreamt of being happy for many years. I wasn't. I was unhappy when I worked as a priest in the Church of Denmark—not because of the work, but because of the working environment. After 12 years, I resigned. And since then, with the help of many people, I have built my vision. Making my own art pieces but also taking care of people in a new way—I teach them to create everything from abstract sculptures in gypsum to ceramic cups. I tell them what I learned—that you can build anything if you know how to do just one thing: Ask for help. My work still involves meeting and working with people, no matter what they bring and no matter how they feel. That remains the same.