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I recently had the pleasure of visiting Anele Keramik Studio, and it was an absolutely wonderful experience! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with such warmth and creativity. The studio has a serene and inspiring atmosphere that makes you feel both relaxed and motivated to explore your artistic side.

The workshops are incredibly well-structured, catering to all skill levels—whether you're a complete beginner or someone with more experience. The instructors are not only knowledgeable but also patient and encouraging, helping you bring your ideas to life while teaching you new techniques.

What truly sets Anele apart is their attention to detail and passion for what they do. The tools, materials, and equipment provided are top-notch, and the space itself is clean, inviting, and thoughtfully designed. Plus, the pieces I made during my session turned out better than I ever imagined!

If you're looking for a place to unwind, express yourself creatively, or even pick up a new hobby, Anele Keramik Studio is a must-visit. I can't wait to go back and create more.

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British artist Lucie Rie once said, "A good glaze is like poetry—it should speak to the soul." 

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 As American ceramic artist Paul Soldner once said, "Firing is where the magic happens. It’s the moment when the clay transcends its raw form and becomes something eternal."

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The sculpture 'Awakening' by artist Elena Vostryakova

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Art is not just about creating beauty; it’s about capturing the stories that nature whispers and the emotions that linger in the spaces between. In every piece of clay, I seek to preserve a moment of connection—with the earth, with time, and with ourselves. — Elena Vostryakova , artist and ceramicist

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A Short Story About a Ceramicist

The Case of the Exploding Mug

Once upon a time, in a small town known for its quirky residents, there lived a ceramic artist named Greg. Greg was passionate about pottery—he could throw clay on a wheel like nobody’s business and had dreams of creating "the perfect mug." But Greg also had one tiny problem: he was incredibly clumsy.

One day, Greg decided to experiment with a new glaze recipe he found online. The article claimed it would create “a dazzling crystalline effect that will blow your mind.” Excited by the prospect of revolutionizing his mug game, Greg spent hours mixing chemicals, carefully measuring each ingredient. Well… almost carefully. Let’s just say he eyeballed some measurements because his scale was mysteriously missing (probably hiding from him after years of abuse).

After weeks of preparation, the big firing day arrived. Greg loaded his kiln with mugs coated in his magical new glaze and turned up the heat. As he waited anxiously for the results, visions of worldwide fame danced through his head. He imagined museums showcasing his work, customers lining up outside his studio, and even a Netflix documentary titled “Greg: King of Cups.”

Finally, the moment came. The kiln cooled down, and Greg opened it eagerly—only to find… chaos. His mugs were not dazzling; they looked like they’d been attacked by an overzealous glitter fairy. Worse still, one particularly ambitious mug seemed to have swollen to twice its size during firing. It wobbled precariously as Greg picked it up, muttering, “What did I do wrong?”

Just then, the oversized mug made a strange hissing sound. Before Greg could react, it exploded into a shower of ceramic shrapnel, leaving him covered in tiny shards and dust. Stunned, he stared at the mess and muttered, “Well, THAT blew my mind.”

Word spread quickly around town about Greg’s explosive creation. Soon enough, people started referring to him as “Boom Mug Greg,” which, much to his dismay, became his unofficial nickname. To make matters worse, his neighbor Mrs. Peterson insisted on telling everyone at the local farmers’ market how she once saw Greg accidentally drop an entire tray of unfired pots while trying to swat a fly. (“It sounded like a symphony of failure!” she declared dramatically.)

Determined to redeem himself, Greg tried again, this time sticking to safer techniques. He eventually mastered functional, beautiful ceramics—but every now and then, when someone asked him about his creative process, he’d grin sheepishly and say, “Let’s just say I’ve learned the hard way that pottery can be… explosive.”

And so, Greg continued to create stunning pieces, though he always kept a fire extinguisher nearby. After all, you never know when inspiration might strike—or explode.

Moral of the story: Even the best artists need a little trial and error. And maybe a better scale.

Author: Luke Vost

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Quote about pottery

"In the hands of a potter, clay transforms from humble earth into timeless art, proving that beauty can emerge from the simplest of beginnings." — Elena Vost

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Funny quote about pottery: "Working with clay is like trying to hold water with your hands—just when you think you’ve got it, it slips away. And then you slip too, because the floor is always covered in mud!"

Author: Elena Vost

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Clay is like a bad relationship—sometimes it cracks under pressure, and other times it just completely falls apart. But hey, at least you can glue the clay back together! - Elena Vost

This quote is pure gold! It perfectly captures the love-hate relationship every ceramic artist has with clay. Whether it’s cracking under pressure or completely falling apart, clay definitely keeps us on our toes. But hey, at least we can always glue it back together—unlike most relationships! 😂

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"The Day My Mug Got Revenge"

It all started on a Monday morning—the kind where you spill coffee on your shirt and forget why you walked into the studio in the first place. I was working on a new batch of mugs, each one carefully crafted to be both functional and stylish. One particular mug stood out: it had a sleek handle, perfect curves, and an air of superiority that made me think, “This is going to be my masterpiece!”

Fast forward to later that day, after hours of painstaking work shaping, glazing, and firing this so-called “masterpiece,” I decided it was time for a well-deserved tea break. Naturally, I chose THE mug—the one I’d spent all morning bragging about to my cat (who, honestly, didn’t care). As I poured hot water into it, I felt like a proud parent watching their child graduate.

But then… disaster struck.

I picked up the mug, ready to take my first triumphant sip, when suddenly—it slipped right out of my hand! The mug hit the floor with a dramatic CRASH , shattering into what seemed like a million tiny pieces. And as if mocking me, one shard landed perfectly upright, looking smug as if to say, "You thought you owned me? Ha!"

To make matters worse, my cat—who had been silently judging me from the corner—decided this was the perfect moment to leap onto the counter, knocking over the entire tray of freshly glazed bowls I’d planned to fire next. Bowl after bowl toppled like dominoes, crashing to the ground in slow motion while I stood frozen, clutching my now-empty teabag.

By the end of the day, I was sitting amidst a sea of ceramic shards, covered in dust, sweat, and regret, wondering how a simple cup of tea turned into such chaos. But here’s the twist: the next morning, I glued together the remains of that mug. It’s now proudly displayed on my shelf—a reminder that even when things fall apart (literally), there’s still humor—and maybe art—in the mess.

And yes, I named it “Revenge Mug.” Because clearly, it won. ☕️😅

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An Interview with Ceramic Artist Elena Vostryakova: Inspiration from the Depths and Ancient Mysticism

Elena Vostryakova is a ceramic artist whose work weaves together the mysteries of the natural world and the echoes of ancient cultures. With a deep connection to marine life, watery landscapes, and mystical motifs, her sculptures resonate with emotion and timelessness. In this exclusive interview, conducted on March 27, 2025, Elena shares the inspirations behind her art, the emotions she pours into each piece, and the remarkable success her ceramics have found in the art world.

Kevin Millward: Elena, your ceramics are truly captivating, often evoking the feeling of being submerged in an underwater world or stepping into an ancient myth. What draws you to marine animals and watery landscapes as a source of inspiration?

Elena Vostryakova: Thank you! For me, water is a boundless source of life and mystery. Growing up near the northern waters of Karelia in Russia, close to Finland, I was surrounded by lakes and rivers that felt alive with stories. Marine animals—fish, octopuses, jellyfish—fascinate me with their fluid forms and hidden depths. They move in ways that defy the rigidity of land, and I try to capture that sense of flow in my clay. Watery landscapes, too, have this reflective quality, like a mirror to the soul. I see them as a bridge between the physical and the spiritual, and that’s something I want my sculptures to reflect.

Kevin: Your work also seems to carry the weight of ancient cultures. How do these influences find their way into your ceramics?

Elena: My time working at the Kizhi open-air museum as a young woman was transformative. There, I was immersed in the traditional architecture, iconography, and daily life of ancient northern peoples. I saw how they lived in harmony with nature, how their tools and art carried a sense of purpose and reverence. That experience stayed with me. When I sculpt, I often think about how ancient cultures used clay to tell their stories—whether through vessels or totems. I don’t replicate their work, but I borrow that spirit: the idea that an object can hold history, memory, and a connection to something greater. It’s like I’m having a conversation with the past through my hands.

Kevin: Mystical motifs are a recurring theme in your art. What role does mysticism play in your creative process?

Elena: Mysticism, to me, is about the unseen—the emotions and energies that linger beneath the surface. I’ve always been drawn to the idea that objects can carry a soul or a story beyond their physical form. In my ceramics, I use shapes and textures that feel otherworldly—spirals that suggest infinity, or forms that look like they’ve been dredged from some forgotten sea. I want people to feel a sense of wonder or curiosity when they look at my work, as if they’re glimpsing something sacred or lost. Clay itself feels mystical; it’s fragile yet enduring, a material that can outlast us all.

Kevin: Speaking of emotions, your sculptures seem to pulse with feeling. What emotions do you pour into your art, and how do you hope they resonate with viewers?

Elena: Every piece I make is an emotional journey. There’s joy in the act of creation, in watching a form emerge from the clay. But there’s also longing—for connection, for understanding—and sometimes a quiet melancholy, reflecting on time and impermanence. I think about my own life, my roots, and the world around me as I work. I hope viewers feel that depth, that they can sense the love and contemplation I’ve put into it. If someone looks at one of my sculptures and feels moved—whether it’s awe, peace, or even a touch of sadness—I’ve succeeded in sharing something real.

Kevin: Your ceramics have gained quite a following. How well do they sell, and what do you think draws people to your work?

Elena: I’m humbled by how well my pieces have been received. They sell steadily, both through galleries and online platforms like Saatchi Art, where works like my "Guy Fawkes Mask" have found homes with collectors worldwide. I think people are drawn to the uniqueness of each piece—since they’re handmade, no two are exactly alike. The combination of natural inspiration and that mystical, ancient vibe seems to resonate with those who want art that feels alive and meaningful. It’s not just decoration; it’s a story they can bring into their space. The demand keeps me busy, and I’m grateful for that.

Kevin: Finally, what’s next for you as an artist? Any new directions or themes you’re exploring?

Elena: I’m always evolving. Right now, I’m experimenting with larger forms—pieces that feel like they’ve risen from the ocean floor or an archaeological dig. I want to push the boundaries of scale and texture, maybe even incorporate more mixed media to deepen the narrative. The sea and the past will always be my muses, but I’m excited to see where they take me next.

Elena Vostryakova’s ceramics are more than objects; they are vessels of emotion, history, and imagination. Through her connection to marine life, ancient cultures, and the mystical, she invites us to dive into a world where clay speaks and stories endure. As her work continues to captivate collectors, it’s clear that her art is not just seen—it’s felt.

Instagram

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Elena Vostryakova, sculpture "Ancient Coral"

"Ancient Coral" is a striking ceramic sculpture by Elena Vostryakova, composed of three interwoven, amorphous rings that evoke the organic complexity of marine life. The piece transitions seamlessly from a deep, shadowy black at its base to a vibrant, fiery orange at its peak, embodying the timeless beauty and resilience of coral reefs. Handcrafted with fluid, expressive forms, this work captures the interplay of chaos and harmony found in nature’s depths.

You can find more in artist Instagram

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So cool! 

Ceramic egg

This ceramic egg is individually hand painted with underglaze pigments and glazes. Ideal for spring decor, modern and chic farmhouse, stylish office, or any room in your house. It is one of a kind. Egg Measures are approximately 2,3"x2" (6cm x 5cm).

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AAAMMAZING! Love it!

Ceramic Ladybird Candlestick

This small candlestick is handmade of white clay and painted basically with red and green high quality underglaze pigments. I glazed it with a lead free transparent glaze and fired two times. The second glaze firing is carried out at the temperature of 1100 C. This candlestick has an approximate diameter of 4 inches (10 cm). The decor of the candlestick reminds of ladybirds flocked together, symbols of good luck and happiness.

View this ceramic candlestick on Etsy!

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Amazing! Love it!

Ceramic Santa Claus Bell

Ceramic Santa Claus, one of a kind ceramic bell, homemade Christmas decoration. Santa in his red coat with a little green Christmas tree in his hand and a gift bag behind him can be a joyous addition to your holiday decor. Every item in my store is handmade, each one is painted by hand with a brush. I put my signature inside the bell while I paint with underglaze paints. White clay is used for the bells, painted with under glaze, fired for the first time, then glazed with a red lead free glaze and fired for the second time at 1100 Deg. Celsius. They are provided with funny ceramic lags as a bell clapper and with a golden string ribbon to hang. The height of the Santa bell is 2.7 inches/7cm, its diameter at the opening 1.7 inches/4,5 cm.

View this ceramic santa on Etsy!

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I am in love! So cool!

Witch Ceramic Bell

The Witch in a light turquoise dress. Handmade ceramic bell, one of a kind. Little piece of magic. The Witch wears a black hat, has a broom under her arm. In her other arm she holds her black cat. The figurine of the Witch is made of white clay, painted with underglazes and covered with transparent lead free glaze. The bell is fired in a kiln twice. Like every piece from my atelier, this bell is unique and completely handcrafted. Funny legs serve as a bell clapper.

View this ceramic witch on Etsy!

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Love it!

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