Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalya Seva.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My story as ceramist started very unexpectedly. It happened in August 2014. I was about to graduate animation department in Santa Monica College that time. While having lunch with my school mates in college we were sitting next to ceramics studio. I suddenly noticed very interesting object next to me which looked like a group of cups and mugs piled up on each other. The sculpture had different textures mixed together so it tempted me to get one cup for myself but they were connected surprisingly very hard. I had no clue that when ceramics melted together with the glaze it’s impossible to detach it. As soon as my hands touched the coolness and roughness of the material, I instantly felt urge to possess such a wonderful object.
I felt adrenaline running through my veins all over my body. There was something very new and extraordinary in those sensations. A will to let all those sensations out and share them with everybody made me think about how incredible it would be to try create something out of this material myself. I could hardly wait for the beginning of the semester and I took only one class. It was ceramics class. The professor gave each student a piece of wet and cold clay in our first class. I grabbed this piece of clay right away. Everything what happened that very moment will be part of me forever.
I felt as if blood in my veins froze and started boiling and rushing wildly through my body at the same time. I had a huge impulse of enormous happiness and realization that I can express everything what was looking for the way out with this piece of clay. That this material is the door which I can use to let my creativity become real things.
My world has divided into before and after since then. I will be forever grateful to this natural material which gave me joy and happiness of self – expression. It took me 24 years overall to become who I am now as an artist.
Please tell us about your art.
My artistic process is constant search for something new. To mix different materials- wooden sticks, jute, glass, felted wool and stones. All these materials work in harmony with each other from my point of view. They help to create new shades and open their individual internal potential. First time I got such idea while creating my cups when I didn’t have enough clay to finish their handles. They turned out to be very unusual and absolutely different from the regular cups. I love to experiment with new combinations, it gives me inspiration.
Every day source of inspiration for me is nature – its infinite beauty and harmony. Magic and balance which can be met and felt by inhaling the moist air of the forest and admiring the light of sunrays playing on the bark of the relict tree. Slowness, infinity, power, strength that is all about the spirit which all of us have inside.
Natural materials created by the nature itself carry positive energy of being. They gain new tints in my hands. During a creation process I always eagerly wait for sudden (unexpected) magic happens. I do not strictly control all stages of the work; therefore, I work together with the Force of Nature inside me. The magic of life itself is in nature – surrounding us everywhere, even in the stone jungle you can touch a piece of nature every morning. Mug with wooden handle from which you drink coffee is the pleasure ritual and can be your source of nature inspiration.
I absorbed breathtaking beauty and might of Ural vastness from my childhood. Their reflection has found itself in every inch of my body. Ideas come to me naturally on their own and they are effortless and light. When I have a piece of clay in my hands, I don’t know what I will create at the end. It’s always very pleasant, unusual and magical process. I am attracted by variety of wood texture. It’s natural and can be used in harmony with anything: plates, mugs, tea pots and even for my favorite “Nosatiki” – forest spirits. They imprinted with wood texture as well. My forest spirits were born spontaneously. My hands shaped the clay themselves, rolled two eyes which found right place immediately. Ears appeared very easily and those eyes suddenly winked to me. I fall in love with them! I’m so happy that these kind creatures always make viewers smile and feel positive.
Spirits of the Forest – since the beginning of time these enchanting creatures have lived among us spreading serenity, peace, and harmony. These small patrons of nature possess the timeless wisdom of the trees and forests they live among. And while their sanctuary is in nature, each Forest Spirit’s purpose is to comfort, protect, and bring joy into the lives of those that love them. Once welcomed into your home, Forest Spirit’s healing powers will bring clarity and unity to you and your loved ones. I have infinite supply of interesting stories about them for you.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can see and purchase my creations at www.sevaseramics.com. You can also find them in my online store SevaSeramics Shop at Etsy.com. For those who wants to see backstage life and be first to check new ceramics straight from the kiln, welcome to my Instagram account @seva_ceramics.
I appreciate everyone’s business very much. With your purchase, you support me, a self-employed artist who is lucky enough to be doing what I love because of people like you. Also allow me to be a stay-home mom, so our whole family thanks you as well!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sevaceramics.com
- Email: siennaclassic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seva_ceramics
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SevaCeramics
Image Credit:
Handmade Nature Inspired Exclusive Ceramics
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