This wheel-thrown and trimmed vase is made of white clay covered with a glaze of the same colour. The name of the work, Column, as well as the shape of the base and vertical shallow flutings on the body of the vessel, are inspired by architectural details and classical marble columns with cannelures. Two green protruding branches, inspired by the works of Giorgio de Chirico, lend a surrealistic touch to the vase.
Height 18 cm
Diameter 8 cm
© Ana Boko
© Ana Boko
© Ana Boko
© Ana Boko
© Ana Boko
Maya Baratashvili
- Unicorn Ceramics
- Ceramicist
- Tbilisi, Georgia
- Rising Star
- Recommended by Georgian Heritage Crafts Association
Contact
Georgian, English
Hours:
By appointment only
By appointment only
Phone:
+995 599297024
+995 599297024
© Ana Boko
Surrealist ceramic art
- • Maya works with hand-building and clay-trimming techniques
- • She explores the synthesis of ancient and contemporary
- • She is inspired by the works of Giorgio de Chirico and Giorgio Morandi
Maya Baratashvili developed an interest in sculpture during her student years, but it wasn’t until 2013, when the prominent Georgian ceramist Gigisha Pachkoria introduced her to the craft, that her love of ceramics was born. After acquiring her MA in Fine Arts, she continued her studies in Germany, before receiving valuable experience in casting at a workshop in Paris. “I still consider myself a self-taught ceramicist, as I graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts, at the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts, with an MA in Painting. I have since developed my skills and learnt ceramic techniques through the internet and online masterclasses” says the artist. The most important part of her work is hand-building and clay-trimming, as it makes the process adventurous and interesting for her. “The moment of trimming the clay helps me to achieve amazing textures on the surface. I like to play with contrasts – the simplicity of shapes and small details of décor, as well as merging ancient motives with the contemporary” – she says.
Read the full interviewWorks
Photo: © Ana Boko
Column vase
Photo: © Ana Boko
Bowl
This slip-moulded bowl, made from white clay, is decorated with concave circles, which in turn are adorned with graphic drawings featuring ancient mascarons. Among the mascarons, Zeus, Satyr, and Medusa Gorgon heads can be found. The shape of the bowl, being among the typical wine-drinking vessels in Georgia, in some way resonates the local tradition.
Height 12 cm
Diameter 15 cm
Photo: © Ana Boko
Bowl
This simple wheel-thrown bowl on a low foot is made from local red clay, with blue and black slip. The surface of the vessel has been specially treated with Ammonia alum, which, after polishing and firing, gives a marble-like effect to the surface. This particular work is an example of the author’s interest in improvising with shapes and textures, and experimenting with chemical elements to achieve fascinating visual effects.
Height 15 cm
Diameter 15 cm
Photo: © Ana Boko
Easter egg
The slip-moulded Easter egg, resting upon a separately moulded lilac base made of white clay, features hand-drawn child-like monsters painted with underglaze pigments. To Maya Baratashvili, the egg is a universal shape with infinite possibilities for improvisation. This particular work is part of a collection called “The Monsters” inspired by children’s drawings.
Height 20 cm
Diameter 12 cm
Photo: © Ana Boko
Ceramic bottle
This hand-built bottle, with dark handles and lid, is made of local red clay mixed with black slip. It has been polished with agate and has a waxed exterior. The shape of the bottle can be associated with the female body and is inspired by perfume bottles typical to many ancient civilisations. The object is part of a collection of different shaped vessels made of the same materials and in similar colours.
Height 33 cm
Diameter 10 cm
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