ERLANGEN | GERMANY
In the heart of Erlangen, where creativity intertwines with art and talent merges with tradition, lies a unique place that pulses with life and inspiration. It is the Creative Lab, more than just a co-working space – it is a crucible for dreams, ideas, and artistic expression. The founder of this exceptional space, Carolina, is not only the soul of this place but also possesses a life story woven with travels, passion, and transformation. From Bogota, the capital of Colombia, through the artistic boulevards of Barcelona, to the heart of Bavaria, her journey is a mosaic of experiences, culture, and boundless creativity.
Today, she shares with us her story, a journey that encompasses more than geographical coordinates – it is a journey of the heart, mind, and soul. We delve into her beginnings as a talented goldsmith and designer, explore the passions that have guided her through different phases of life, and discover how the Creative Lab has become a symbol of the creative community in Erlangen. This interview is not merely a conversation; it is a voyage through the life of an extraordinary woman, designer, artist, mother, and innovator who inspires and enriches the creative scene in Germany through her work and vision.
Carolina, we know you're a talented goldsmith, designer, and founder of the coworking space Kreativlabor. You were born in Colombia, spent part of your life in Spain before coming to Germany. Can you bring us closer to your fascinating journey and what has led you through these different phases?
Until my 16th year, I lived in Colombia. Then my family made the decision to relocate to Barcelona. There, I pursued my studies in Industrial Design at the Instituto Europeo di Design (IED) and subsequently underwent training as a goldsmith at the Escola Massana.
Thirteen years later, love led me to Germany, where two of my children were born. The initial seven years were dedicated to my family, as I consciously chose an extended period of motherhood. This year marks my 13th year in Bavaria, always residing in the vicinity of Erlangen.
Your passion for the art of goldsmithing inspired you to further educate yourself in this field. Can you share with us how you discovered this passion and what inspired you to devote yourself to the craft of goldsmithing?
After completing my studies in industrial design and getting to know the manufacturing processes from the inside, I realized that I didn't want to be part of this process.
During my teenage years, there was a phase when I wore a lot of jewelry. The fact that I could create it myself, have full control over which suppliers to work with, and where the precious metals came from was of utmost importance to me. The freedom to undergo a refined creative process led me to pursue a career as a goldsmith. All of this I can now realize through my own brand, "Kreaia Jewelry and Design."
Kreativlabor, the coworking space you founded, has become a central place for artists, designers, and creatives in Erlangen and the surrounding area. How would you describe Kreativlabor and what makes it a special and inspiring place for work?
The Kreativlabor is shaped by the people who run it. At the moment, I would say we are in the best phase yet. Almost all of us are self-employed: artists, artisans, or designers looking to position ourselves professionally in our respective fields.
What makes it special is that anyone can come into our co-working space to observe our work processes up close. Our door is always open, and our work spaces are visible. This fosters incredibly interesting interactions. Not only are our products available for sale, but there is also always an art or design exhibition to explore.
How has Kreativlabor evolved since its inception, and how has it grown? Are there particular successes or moments that particularly please you?
The concept has remained the same from the beginning, but I've made a clear reorientation in positioning. Initially, all projects were welcome, and it was especially important to me that the coworkers had a creative job. However, time has taught me to distinguish professional projects from hobbies, which was an important step in the development of our space. Before the pandemic, there were three fixed work spaces and a workshop area where external workshop leaders conducted their courses. Now, as a coworking space, we've grown, with six fixed work spaces, and we ourselves are the ones sharing our passion in workshops.
In these five years, there have been so many special moments! Vernissages, concerts, artist talks... I couldn't single out one, but they all have one thing in common: sharing our own talent with people who appreciate it.
One of the moments that is unforgettable for me is not directly related to the Kreativlabor - the introduction of professional-level street art in Erlangen. It's something I missed here after living in Barcelona.
Another great moment was in 2022 when I collaborated with the city of Erlangen to organize an artisan market called "Kunsthandwerksmeile" ( Artisan Craft Mile ). I had the opportunity to be the curator, and it was a great success.
Team Kreativlabor 2023 ( from left to right )
Brit Mehler, Carolina Martinez, Juliette Pille, Katrin Königsmann, Petra Häfner
Who are the people using Kreativlabor? Can you tell us more about the various artists, designers, and creatives who gather in this space, and how they contribute to the diversity of the Kreativlabor community?
Currently, we are five: Petra Häfner writes, preferably about and for people who want to leave a mark. For solo entrepreneurs, small businesses, and associations, she writes websites, blogs, newsletters, and much more. Katrin Königsmann is a painter and occupational therapist. She paints because she wants to move people: herself and the viewers. Juliette Pille is a weaver. She weaves her inspirations and ideas, carefully choosing the thread. She creates unique pieces with real emotional value. Brit Mehler is a graphic designer and has carved out a space without computers in Kreativlabor. She wants to experiment with natural materials and with her hands.
Kreativlabor seems to be a place where various artistic practices and creative expressions come together. Can you tell us how artists and creatives from different fields, like painting, design, handicraft, and other artistic disciplines, complement each other and find inspiration within Kreativlabor?
That's right, everyone has their own space, but the creative process essentially shares the same core. For example, I don't have to be a painter to understand what creative blockage is or how to position a product in the market.
The advantage of collaborating with other creatives is that we all approach projects with a vision that can translate across different creative domains. There have been several successful collaborations here precisely because each of us can contribute in our respective areas.
Inspiration is something very personal. I believe that working in an open, communicative, and integrative environment helps one's own imagination.
Kreativlabor is not just an inspiring workplace, but also an active supporter of local artists and designers. How does Kreativlabor support local talents, and can you tell us more about the various activities, like exhibitions, workshops, and events, that you organize to indirectly promote their work?
From the beginning, there was an exhibition space, and every three months there's new art to see at Kreativlabor. In the first years, my curator work mainly supported local artists through group exhibitions. Artists who might not have had an official title but had talent. Since 2023, with the support of the State of Erlangen, I've been trying to promote individual artists through solo exhibitions, as I believe that the opportunity to show a wide spectrum of work has more impact on the viewer and the artist.
As part of the Artisan Craft Mile, and thanks to the city's commitment, 20 artisans were supported, and more are expected next year. Music is an essential part of my life; I can hardly work without it. The opportunity to offer this space to musicians who play live was a fortunate development. Every year we host about 3 concerts. The POP-UP STORES have the same goal, providing a sales space for local and external artisans.
The ARTIST Talks are intimate and inspiring moments where we can discover the stories behind the artist's work, their creative process, and their "why".
What does the future hold for Kreativlabor? Carolina, can you share any initiatives and plans you have to support artists and creatives in your region?
This year has brought significant personal changes. I aim to expand my project as a jewelry designer and channel my energy into my personal work. Exhibitions, concerts, and ARTIST Talks will continue, but in the future, artists will be more deeply involved in their exhibitions. One of my dreams (for which I require external support) is to offer a residency for an artist to develop and, of course, exhibit a project.
Do you have any advice or inspiration to offer young artists and creatives contemplating a career in this field?
"Absolutely. Stay true to your style and work on developing your unique design identity. If you're looking to make a living in this field, understanding marketing is crucial for visibility in the market. And certainly, don't overlook the power of social media."
As we conclude our conversation with Carolina, we are left inspired by the story of Kreativlabor, a place where creativity flourishes in every corner. With her passion and talent, Carolina has cultivated more than just a space – she has nurtured a community that lives and breathes art.
For those who wish to delve deeper into this inspiring story and become a part of it, please visit www.kreativlabor-erlangen.com and www.kreaia.com. Follow them on Instagram @kreativlabor.erlangen and @kreaia_schmuck_und_design to get insights into their latest projects and events.
Kreativlabor is not merely a place; it's a thriving community, a dynamic movement, an endless source of inspiration. It stands as a testament to the magic that unfolds when talents converge, creating not just art, but also transforming the world around us. Thanks to Carolina and her team, Kreativlabor continues to shine as a beacon of art, creativity, and community.
Photos: Kreativlabor