Violet Twin Vase by Arina Antonova

Violet Twin Vase by Arina Antonova, 2021. Dimensions: H 50 x D 30 cm. Materials: Stoneware, porcelain, pigment Born in Sewastopol (Crimea), I was surrounded by the natural variety of the coastal Black Sea views with rocky beaches and picturesque mountain ranges. And it was here that I developed my fascination with the geological diversity of natural materials. Having walked the artist path through the study of drawing and painting, I discovered clay as a material, which became the starting point for my work these last six years. My studio practice focuses on the profound research of natural materials. I consider clay not just to be a functional material for creating objects, but as a holistic subject with its own physicality and vocabulary. During on-going natural sourcing I found a way to physically incorporate the landscape into my work. Experimenting with clay and natural materials is a constant dialog with my surroundings and my desire to merge them with the environment. I have found inspiration in women's pottery tradition, and because of this, most of my works have simple silhouettes with textured surfaces that emphasize qualities of the materials I use, reflecting the process of creation.