The magic of black ceramics
- Sculptural thinking is visible in each of Ieva's works
- She has been working with black ceramics for two decades
- She enjoys the unpredictability of ceramics
Ieva Paukštytė-Schinello was in two minds about what field to pursue after graduating from the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Art – sculpture or ceramics. She chose ceramics, like her parents, and never regretted it. Still, sculptural thinking remained present in her work. She is fond of shapes, textured decoration and wood firing in an outdoor kiln. But she is especially fascinated by black ceramics, where the most important thing is the shape and the metallic shine of the surface. Ieva has dedicated 20 years to working with black ceramics but has never stopped being amazed and fascinated by the possibilities. Her plates, jugs, cups and pots have sculptural elements or delicate incised decoration. Earth, air, fire, and water – all four elements are present in her ceramics, and she masterfully controls them all.
INTERVIEW
I have been living in an artistic environment since childhood, as both of my parents are ceramicists. Memories of watching symposiums on ceramics in my childhood and adolescence prevailed, alongside outdoor wood firing and the Anagama firing method, which acted as a great pull for me.
I am very attracted to the idea of a ceramic article itself. I like simple shapes, delicate textured decoration, wood firing. The most interesting thing about ceramics is that it is unpredictable. You never know what the outcome will be, you always have to leave room for chance.
I am fascinated by nature and its various manifestations. A wide variety of forms can be found in nature, and humans are part of it. I like to observe people and their relationships. Sometimes I am also inspired by architecture or fragments of a city. I like to draw inspiration from what is around me.
It takes a lot of patience and perseverance to start all over again and again. In addition, you need to be open and not be afraid to allow chance into the process.
