Olga | Awai Ceramics

It starts with a lump of clay. From a strictly physical point of view, clay is made up of alumina, silica, and water. During the firing process, clay goes through a chemical change to become ceramic — a fabulous creative transformation from a formless substance to a stone-like, self-supporting structure. In that sense, clay represents timelessness. The symbolic potential of clay is what fascinates me the most. Through clay, I can tell a story of my memories, express my thoughts and feelings, depict the natural beauty that surrounds me, and connect with the world. Most of my sculptures are created slowly and thoughtfully using the most ancient and primitive techniques: coiling and pinching. The slow pace allows me to step back and observe where a piece intends to go. I am interested in exploring polar dualities: strength and fragility, hardness and softness, movement and stillness, existence and non-existence. I aim to capture the essence of the natural world and bring a sense of serenity and connection to those who encounter my work.

Clay is my voice. If you happen to know me in real life, you know that I am not as wordy as I can sometimes be here ☺️ Since I turned to clay, I have found a way to express myself on a much deeper level. My work is about conversations of mind, body, and soul. It is about recording what I see and what effect it has on me. It is my way of transforming my thoughts and emotions into tangible forms. It is about making sense of my place in the world. I am often surprised by my own sculptures, and even more surprised when I hear how others interpret them. I love the physicality and the sculptural presence of my chosen medium. It has the power to transcend the literal and become memorable. I am constantly searching for new ways of working and expresing. I am excited by the possibilities that lie before me with making of each new piece. Having you following my artistic journey is a big privilege 🤍

I’m starting a series of welcome posts. This one is going to be about the ethos of my ceramic practice. Every object has a story to tell. Sometimes the narrative is simple and direct. It might evoke memories or feelings from the past, acting as a direct link to specific moments. At other times, it is much more nuanced and encourages to explore the layers of meanings. Currently, I find myself drawn to sculptural organic shapes. I explore textures, tactility, and relaxed simplicity that I call “warm minimalism”. To me, these soft shapes seem protective, peaceful, and sensual. They combine strength and fragility. Each sculpture has a character and is in many ways influenced by innate femininity. I know that my work will continue to evolve and I am happy if you decide to follow me on this journey.

[over-wintering] Sometimes the circumstances of life remain dark for so long that the mind begins to believe this is all the world can be. The inner world narrows into something small and self-protective, built more for surviving cold seasons than for letting life and light in. The sea reminds me that change begins long before I can feel its warmth. Beneath grey horizons and cold water, tides are already turning.

[淡い] Thank you to everyone who came by the sale, picked up a piece, or simply stayed to talk. Your presence, support, and conversations meant a lot. Leaving the studio was hard. That space held more than three years of work, experiments, failures, and many days of learning through clay. It’s strange to close that chapter. For those who couldn’t make it on Saturday, I’ll be holding another online sale in mid-April. Stay tuned! For now I’ll be taking a break to focus on my architecture studies. When I first started studying architecture, it was for the love of what people call “capital-A Architecture.” Over time it began to feel less about buildings and more about shaping relationships, so that people and environments can live well together. I’ll still write here from time to time. There are many ways of staying creative. In many ways we are constantly designing, the moment we make a decision. I also believe our positive actions, our small acts of kindness, reverberate through the world in ways we will never know. I guess what I’m trying to say is simple: we mean something. Our actions mean something. We are of value. To everyone who has been part of this chapter, I am deeply grateful. You are welcome to stay for the next one. 🤍

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” — Alan Watts #aloneonthecarousel

[welcoming change] This space has always been about ceramics. Clay, slow studio days, pieces finding their way into the world. At the same time, for the past years I have also been pursuing architecture, something I rarely spoke about here. Lately, I’ve been learning to accept that I cannot do everything at once. For a long time, I tried to hold it all. This small ceramic sale is a way of letting these pieces find new homes as I make space for what is unfolding next. I'll be joining my friends Tanvi @tavceramics , Julia @chateaudejulz , and Sabrina @sabrinasachiko . A heartfelt note for my dear studio mate @katpinoceramics , who is leaving the studio to travel and explore the world. Watching her step into the unknown with such openness is beautiful. Come support Kat before she begins this new journey. when: March 14, 11 am - 3 pm where: 1654 Franklin st (back alley entrance) buzz: "summerskool"

[feminine palette] Honoured to be part of Making Space: The Feminine Palette and Presence in Design, an exhibition exploring how women create and transform space. Presented by @architecturefoundationbc and @wia_vancouver . Opening today Saturday, March 7, 1–4 PM Another Studios 107 E 3rd Ave, Vancouver Grateful to share this moment with such thoughtful voices and work.

[a place called home] There is a beautiful place called home, and it exists within all of us. Sometimes it reveals itself in the most ordinary moments, in a conversation that feels steady and unguarded, where nothing needs to be performed. It is the quiet recognition of being met without explanation. Some encounters leave you lighter, as if something within has gently settled back into place. #aloneonthecarousel

Tous les mots du monde ne peuvent contenir ce qui se dépose ici en silence.

[falling apart together] I sometimes wonder how to live in a fractured world, where a single life falls apart, where an entire nation falls apart, where the planet itself is breaking. Suffering and grief feel endless and overwhelming, too large for any one person to hold. Still, empathy, kindness, and care can be daily choices, carried through small gestures, collapsing distances between us. Art can be one of them, a small opening between lives, a way of reaching without intrusion, of offering presence, of allowing someone to feel a little less alone, even if only for a moment.

[simple truths] Light always finds its way through the darkness. Even in difficult times, this is a simple truth worth remembering.