Svetlana Matuša

Capturing the energy of the earth

• Lana is a ceramic artist and technology engineer
• She looks to nature for her forms
• Materials are fundamental to her work

Svetlana Matuša, known as Lana to her friends, finds her inspiration amid the mysterious landscape of Iceland. Wandering through this topography, forged by fire and ice, she reflects on the beautiful contrasts that can be found there, such as soft, delicate moss covering strong, hard stone. The stories of lava trolls fighting each other in this wild terrain echo in her ears. Her work is steeped in the culture and environment in which she now lives. Originally from Serbia, Lana has made this alien landscape not just her home but her muse. Using her skills as a scientist and an artist she has a unique understanding of materials, which enables her to create sensitive responses to the colours, textures and structures that surround her.

Interview

©Lana Matuša

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When did you first work with clay?

The first piece I made with clay was very important. It was for the entrance exams for the University of Arts Belgrade. It was the bust of a live model. Thankfully the piece was very successful because it was crucial for my future creativity.

How do science and art meet in your work?

Knowledge of chemistry and engineering helps me a lot when experimenting with materials; for example, porcelain, various clays and lava powder. I have also created my own distinctive glazes. I like to keep the natural appearance of materials.

What inspires you to make?

Nature is my inexhaustible stimulus. I am fascinated by the structures of lava. There is something primal in the idea of molten rock coming from the core of the earth to the surface and hardening into these shapes. Once hot lava fields, they are now covered with gentle green moss.

What do you love most about your profession?

My work is an expression of my inner being interacting with the world. Direct contact with the material is very important. I let the material itself take me in new directions. To me clay is a living organism; in creating we breathe together as one.

Svetlana Matuša is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1989

Works

©Lana Matuša

©Lana Matuša

©Lana Matuša

©Lana Matuša

Where