From a young age, I have been fascinated by the art of Ikebana and the elegance of Japanese ceramics. This passion, coupled with a formative meeting with master ceramicist V. Vodolazhchenko, inspired me to pursue the path of clay. Later I have shared this craft by teaching children in my own studio and serving as a ceramics instructor at the Kharkiv State Pedagogical University.
My artistic journey truly began in 1989 with my first exhibition. Today, I work from my own studio in Amsterdam.

Nature’s forms and the human body are my primary sources of inspiration. I dedicate a lot of time to sketching and refining ideas for new works. What starts as a spontaneous concept is gradually shaped into a precise, controlled form, one that leaves no room for accident.

I aim to keep my pieces simple, with natural and organic textures. I drape my clay objects in varying surface structures that offer rhythm and a sense of movement, and a still object emerges by the viewer as simultaneously moving and light. Sometimes I use the contrast of texture and smooth surfaces to enhance the pleasant tactile sensations.

I use semi-transparent glazes to highlight subtle textures, while color adds emotional depth to each piece. Metallic oxides create delicate color accents that avoid sharp edges or complex patterns. These pieces can take up to six months to create, and are the culmination of hours of experimentation and development.

I am mindful of the impact my work has on our social environment, and I strive to ensure that this influence is always positive. My goal is to create pieces that foster a sense of serenity and inspire a positive mood in the viewer.

ANDREI OVECHKIN