What inspired you to become an artist and when did you start taking art seriously?

As a child, I often played with clay, and as a teenager, I was always involved in creative activities. However, I began working seriously as an artist about 25 years ago when I decided to devote myself entirely to ceramics.

Which artists or art movements have most influenced your style and your work?

I particularly enjoy Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and all forms of modern art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Here are some of my favorites, but the list is not exhaustive: Paul Klee, Grayson Perry, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Yayoi Kusama, Judy Chicago, Jackson Pollock, Frank Stella, Miro, Kandinsky, Jaime Hayon, Ernst Fuchs, Sheryl Zacharia, and Kauri Kallas.

Could you walk us through the creative process you go through when creating a new piece?

My ideas arise as nebulous notions in my head; it's impossible to define the original impulses. By working spontaneously and without sketches with clay plates, the vagueness slowly takes shape. Freed from the two-dimensional constraints of painting, I create my own 3D clay canvases and then paint them with my stories and thoughts.

Is there a particular theme or message you want to convey in your work?

My artwork reflects my values and beliefs and provides a platform for expressing my thoughts and ideas. Through the use of vibrant colors and bold shapes, I aim to captivate and engage my audience while conveying important messages about the world we live in. Whether it's a commentary on current events or a statement on women's rights, my work is always humanistic, ecologically conscious, and socially conscious. With each piece, I strive to create a meaningful and impactful experience for the viewer.

What has been the biggest challenge on your artistic journey so far, and how did you deal with it?

The biggest hurdle for me was entering the art world and starting to exhibit. I always had serious concerns that my work wasn't "good enough." However, at my second exhibition, I sold a high-priced sculpture! The buyers' enthusiasm and their trust in my work carried me through this very difficult early phase of my career. I will never forget that moment.

Are there any techniques and materials that you prefer?

Yes. I work almost exclusively with slab-making techniques, not on the potter's wheel. I also decorate my works with colored underglazes and overglaze finishes such as gold, platinum, and ceramic decals.

Is there a particular place where you prefer to work?

My workshop is the only place where I work. Here I have all my tools, my music, and the peace and quiet I need to be creative.

Where do you see yourself and your art in the next five years?

My main goal is to present my current and future sculptures to the widest possible international audience.

Do you have a "philosophy" that guides your creative expression?

Not really. I just try to create shapes and designs that are unique and original. Things no one has ever seen before, things that evoke a fascination that lasts beyond the first impression.

What advice would you give to young artists who are just starting out?

Always strive to create something unique. Believe in yourself. Go out and exhibit your work. The audience will soon tell you where you stand.