Karin
Blach
Nielsen

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

I live in Denmark, in Ørestad – a district south west of Copenhagen on the Island Amager. At the moment I work as a ceramist in my studio in Absalonsgade, neighborhood Vesterbro is in the center of Copenhagen. I go to various places, in and outside of Copenhagen.

Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

I grew up on the small island of Als (southern Denmark) and need activities both in the city and in the countryside. That’s why we often travel by car to Sejerøbugten on West Zealand, in the Odsherred region.

In Copenhagen, we use Amager/Kalvebod Fælled – the large nature reserve right next to Ørestad – for long walks and bike rides close to cows, sheep and deer. For example along the east/south coast.
At work, I love the small green spaces, parks and cafés in the beautiful neighbourhoods of Vesterbro and Frederiksberg. For social activities, cafés, bars and other activities I go to Søndre Boulevard and for events to Folkehuset Absalon Istedgade and its side streets, for example Skydebanegade and Oehlenslægergade. Next to my ceramics workshop, Skydebanehaven is my favourite little park. I also like Værnedamsvej with its shops and cafés or Frederiksberg Park further west.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

The war between Ukraine and Russia has had a profound impact on the political environment and has shifted public spending priorities. Most important is the urgent need for a rapid increase in our defence budget.
There is also legislation to reduce CO2 emissions in agriculture, the decline in biodiversity and the destruction of the marine environment.
Last but not least, there are the labour shortages in our healthcare, childcare and education systems.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?

It is excellent that Denmark has developed a strong economy, has recovered well since the covid pandemic and has achieved a low unemployment rate.
Unfortunately, however, the healthcare system suffers even more every year due to financial cuts, which leads to a shortage of labour and a stressful working environment in this area. The financial cuts are also really bad for people with disabilities and mental illness.
Legislation on marine pollution and legislation on fishing methods has been delayed for many years, resulting in severe fish mortality and almost permanent oxygen depletion in Danish waters.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

As a ceramicist and a member of the Danish Crafts Organisation, I recommend that visitors look out for shops, studios and galleries run by artisans and designers in Copenhagen. We have a number of studios and shops throughout the city.

Discover talented artisans and designers with DKoD. You can explore a wide range of professional craft artists and designers through their directory or by visiting their gallery. Officinet serves as both a project space and a gallery, showcasing innovative works from Danish designers and craft artists.

For a curated selection of contemporary ceramics, stop by Peach Corner, a charming ceramic gallery in Frederiksberg that hosts exhibitions of unique ceramic pieces.

Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

Copenhagen is known for its bicycles, but I will mention it again: Copenhagen is a very good city for cycling tours. It is possible to reach most destinations by bike. Find the cycle paths that connect the different neighbourhoods and the suburbs to experience different areas. These include Amager Strand/beach area or the Kalvebod Fælled bird sanctuary, which is only 15 minutes from Town Hall.

Do you have an insider tip for a good restaurant that perhaps hardly anyone knows about yet?

Sensu Sushi is a nice local Japanese restaurant as well as Jah Izakaya. For Indian food you should try the Restaurant Rasoi. Or Traktørstedet Vestamager, which offers mixed food, breakfast and lunch, in the beautiful nature reserve Kalvebod Fælled. I also have to mention the superb Dragsholm Slot Bistro in our second home located in West Zealand.

Just take a day trip or two to experience Danish cuisine prepared with local ingredients from Lammefjorden. There are so many good restaurants to discover! For example, enjoy the art and food restaurant Erba located in the eatery/gallery Brantebjerg.

Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?

The same recommendation as for local producers, a large proportion of the products made by artisans and designers are available in the small shops.

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn´t live without?

At the moment:
– Instagram
– Spotify
– Drlyd

Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

At the moment I’ve cut down newspapers to the weekly Weekendavisen for longer articles on political and cultural topics of present national and international issues or themes.

I mostly listen to Danish public radio, television, podcasts and discussion programmes about culture, politics and art.
For specific news about ceramics or crafts, I search social media, both nationally and internationally, and I visit various museums for clues/ideas about current trends. I like to watch the Louisiana Channel – weekly videos about art, literature, architecture, design and music produced by the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. For Danish crafts and design debate Charlotte Jul’s craft art design words or overall news from Artikler – Kunstavisen and Statens Kunstfond Nyheder (kunst.dk)

Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?

I would fight for a low price for public transport. Even more cycle paths or higher taxes don’t get many people to leave their cars behind. I would change the city plan for Ørestad Syd; revise the original architectural plan for a motorway tunnel instead of the existing open motorway that now runs through Ørestad Syd.
Generally raise the standards for future sustainable building projects, take the time needed for proper urban projects, embrace diversity in architecture instead of uniformity, no preference for building in protected nature! Also reserve a number of small business spaces for artists and entrepreneurs in the new city projects. Make Copenhagen a safe city, both economically and physically, for residents with disabilities.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constraints – which one would you choose?

At the moment I would like to move to Odsherred/West Zealand in Denmark and live somewhere by the sea. I have moved quite a few times in my life and lived in different places in Denmark and abroad. I love travelling, especially to France and Italy, but I have no plans to live abroad [at the moment :)], mainly because I just love the Danish spring and summer and always being surrounded by the sea – high sky, beautiful light.