Salome Gavasheli

Ceramic studio_sio2

Ceramicist

©David Tchalidze

Models of simplicity

Salome started her career as a ceramic artist at the age of 16
She works with various glazing techniques
The design and colours of her works are inspired by nature

Salome Gavasheli developed an interest in ceramics and glass in her early childhood. At the age of 16, she studied artistic glass design for two years until she decided to choose ceramics as a future profession at Tbilisi State Academy of Arts. “My mother played an essential role in guiding me in my career as she noticed my skills in hand building and advised me to think about ceramics as my future occupation” says Salome. The young ceramicist’s works are distinguished by the simplicity of their shapes and design. “I mainly work with red clay, using hand-building techniques, applying various glazes and creating natural, minimalistic objects. I love to use grogged clay as a main material, which enables me to experiment with various surface textures.” In 2019, Salome founded “Ceramic Studio Sio_2”, which unites a workshop and showroom in one space. Moreover, the young artist offers visitors master classes in hand-building, glazing and throwing.

Interview

©David Tchalidze

©David Tchalidze

What does your work mean to you?: I think my works depict the way I see myself. I love simplicity in words, design and clothing – and my works show the human ability to transform even the simplest materials into meaningful shapes. There are no limits in clay. It gives one the opportunity to materialise ideas in three-dimensional forms, which exist in space.
What are your sources of inspiration?: I draw my inspiration from the surrounding environment: books, movies and colours. However, closeness to nature and the colours of the seasons and beautiful landscapes are what inspire me the most. The combination of blues and greens, juxtaposed with whites or browns are what remind me of natural landscapes.
Can you recall the most memorable moment of your life?: I was assigned to create two large ceramic tiles for my final graduation exam at Tbilisi State Academy of Arts. It was a challenging moment for a young ceramicist, as I had to achieve even surfaces on the large tiles, with no cracks after firing. The results were ideal and I remember being very proud of myself for my persistency and hard work.
Do you have any specific ceramic techniques?: I mainly work in red clay using hand-building techniques. I always try to maintain the texture of clay without entirely covering the surface with colours. The main peculiarity of my work is the rustic texture of the surface, which is achieved through using grogged clay as a primary material.

Salome Gavasheli is an expert artisan she began her career in 2009