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Olena Belkins |
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I
graduated from art college in Zaporozhye
city (Ukraine) in 1989. Originally
was into art photography, graphic arts, sculpturing (used plaster, fibre
glass and papier-mâché amongst other materials), costume jewellery and
restoration of antiquities. Ceramics,
however, was my old dream and this is a fusion of two of my school
interests: art and natural science (chemistry mostly). I created my first
pots in early childhood using clay which I found in the street. At those
times, I could not even imagine how many opportunities this material had in
itself. I
started ceramics as a mere hobby after relocation to Malta in 2002. In
2004 I took part in International Trade Fair with Alka
Ceramics Factory (Malta). Since
2007 I have been doing ceramics full time and have been attending several
pottery courses in Julie Apap Studio since 2008. These courses presented me with the
opportunity to improve and systematize my knowledge of the composition and
behaviour of ceramic colours. There I mastered the art of mixing glazes from
raw materials. There have been several workshops on sawdust firing in Julie’s
Studio as well. In
2008 (autumn) I attended several classes of ceramist Zell
Ozborne and gained my first experience in clay modelling and moulding
techniques using plaster of Paris. During
2009 and 2010 I attended Raku Beginner and Intermediate courses at MCAST
under guidance of a well-known ceramist George
Muscat. These classes provided insight into the composition of Raku
glazes and clays which are resistant to thermal shock (paper clay, chamotte,
sandy clay, etc.) as well as into the peculiarities of reduction firing and
building of a Raku kiln. In
June 2009 attended workshops of US ceramist Coreen
Abbot and learnt about alternative ways of decorating ceramic items. In
May 2010 took part in workshops of Irish ceramist Jane
Jermyn, which were dedicated to Pit-firing and Obvara. |
'Scorpion' Stoneware and mixed media
I
am constantly improving my knowledge and skills in ceramics by learning on
my own, as well as by communicating with colleagues from Russia, Ukraine and
Latvia; I also attend various fairs and festivals related to the subject of
my interest. Currently,
I host ceramic classes for children (2 groups in Russian and English) in my
studio in Mosta. I am planning to open up a studio in Russian school “Rosinka”
in Bugibba this summer (2010). I
am open to experiments with various materials and techniques; my favourite
ones are coiling, slabs and hand building, also slip casting at times. I
am inspired by worlds of science fiction, unusual forms found in nature,
open to ethnic influences and primeval traditions of the Neolithic Age.
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click on an image to enlarge
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Contact details mob.:
+365 990 63 440 email: dyubapina@mail.ru
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