I started my journey by studying graphic design in high school and later pursued Communication Arts at university. After graduating, I worked in my field, but during summers, I also taught painting to kindergarten children. Working with kids sparked something inside me a desire to create freely, without rules or limits.
Before the pandemic, I began learning how to bake sourdough bread, which unexpectedly reminded me of an old passion from my childhood: sculpting and pottery. I enrolled in pottery courses, explored glazes, and gradually turned one of the rooms in my house into a small studio.
When the pandemic hit, I found myself with more time to focus on this passion. I was at my happiest, creating and experimenting with clay.
And now, here I am a ceramicist and a devoted lover of sculpture, living my dream.
Until I became familiar with creating three-dimensional objects, I thought the only thing I could do in the world of creativity was to dream and immerse myself in my imagination. I see the world around me a little differently; a simple stone, an ancient piece of wood, or a broken vase, each carries a universe of stories and mysteries imbued with meaning and history. The question of whether inanimate objects possess a soul and life has always lingered in my mind and gradually became a driving force for creating artistic works.
For me, ceramic art is more than just a medium or technique; it is a means through which I can tangibly express my emotions, experiences, and inner concerns. Clay, as a living and dynamic material, oscillates between raw potential and transformative creation, offering a profound connection to the physical and emotional realms. This mysterious material, like a silent soul awaiting the touch of hands, has the capacity to reveal the spirit of objects and transform it into form, almost as if, in this process, the boundaries between soul and body blur and their roles interchange.
In an era where materiality is highlighted in philosophy and art, following materials in an artwork provides a beautiful and precise way of interpreting art. Materials themselves have agency, effects, and unique influences. I also explore the properties of clay and its interaction with other natural materials. Clay, with its flexibility, ability to reshape, and capacity to take on color and texture, allows me to express abstract ideas and deeper concepts. In the creative process, this material imbues my work with ambiguity, inviting viewers to interpret its meaning and significance in their own ways. One of my motivations and passions is discovering new materials and unexpected outcomes. This discovery not only fuels creativity but also paves the way for unique experiences.
My works are the result of an exploratory journey into the world of materials and forms. I use every opportunity to experiment and seek new ways to express my feelings. The smoke-firing technique is just one of my tools for this journey. This technique, with its ability to create unique textures and patterns, allows me to narrate a story from the heart of clay and fire. I am drawn to this technique because it closely resembles life itself. What we live and what leaves its mark on us are shaped by what happens in our surroundings and the world around us. This technique is a reminder that some societal impacts and external influences are inevitable and irreversible. The beauty of life lies in these diverse and unpredictable imprints. The beauty of the smoke-firing technique stems from the coexistence of good and bad events; this contrast not only highlights our limitations but also inspires creativity and meaning. It serves as a living motto for the dynamic nature of life.
In my work, I have always tried to reflect the close relationship between humans and nature. Nature, with all its complexity and beauty, is my primary source of inspiration. Clay, as a material extracted from the earth, symbolizes this connection.
I strive to create works that prompt the audience to reflect on their relationship with nature and to realize that everything in this world is interconnected.
The relationships between forms and spaces play a key role in my work. By using simple and organic forms and experimenting with positive and negative spaces, I aim to create balance and harmony among the elements. These relationships, besides their visual appeal, oscillate between themes of the passage of time, change, and impermanence. Each piece is, in a way, an invitation for the audience to delve into the hidden meanings within.
My goal in creating ceramic works goes beyond mere aesthetics. I want my audience to pause and reflect when they see my creations. I encourage them to think about the relationship between materials, form, and meaning and to question the transience of life, the resilience of nature, and the significance of objects in our world. This exploration is part of my effort to build a bridge between my inner world and the outer world.
Ultimately, I believe that ceramic art is more than creating beautiful objects. It is a way to discover and express the deepest human emotions and ideas. My works are a reflection of life, change, and dynamism. I believe that objects not only have a soul, but this soul can be summoned from within materials and forms and conveyed to the audience through the language of art. My ultimate goal is to create works rooted in nature and speaking through the language of materials, inviting the audience to embark on a deeper journey within themselves and the world around them.
golnazmahmoudi34@gmail.com
+98 937 254 0018