My work is often a meditation on the tapestry of human existence, reflecting on the journey through life’s myriad events. Each experience leaves an imprint on our being, shaping the vessel that carries our unique story. Rooted in ancient traditions yet reimagined through contemporary ceramics, these pieces explore remnants of age-old practices—where shapes once steeped in purpose now float between history and modernity. This work is a contemplative reflection on the evolution of form and function, questioning what remains when original intentions are forgotten, and only the essence of the shape persists. These vessels bridge past and present, offering a dialogue between the tangible and the ephemeral in ceramic art.

Ilona Golovina’s artistic practice explores the interplay between nature, materiality, and tradition through ceramics. Rooted in ancient techniques and inspired by the tactile intimacy of working with clay, her work transforms hand-built vessels into metaphorical containers for thoughts and ideas, moving beyond utility. Incorporating foraged wild clay and recycled materials like glass and metal, she promotes mindfulness around consumption while introducing unexpected aesthetics that challenge traditional notions of the medium. Influenced by John Cage’s philosophy of non-intention, her experimental methods capture the essence of specific environments, blending control with serendipity. Her vessels merge time-honored practices with contemporary innovation, emerging as unique reflections of the dynamic relationship between past, present, and future.