contemporary art

We have to press on: upcoming artist talks and workshops

Like for so many, the past two months were very emotionally draining and tumultuous for me. Nevertheless, listening to the news every day, I produced a whole new series of work about war called Broken Dreams, reflecting on the current situation in my native Ukraine. It was strengthening to share the images and stories behind these pieces during SculptSlam, a presentation organized by the New England Sculptors Association,  held over zoom on May 10th. I presented my work along with Roe Osborn, Sabrina Fadia and Domenic Esposito. You can watch the talk on youtube here: https://youtu.be/rxWZI732JU8?t=988

Listen Europe, stoneware, stains, glazes, 14x19x9 inches

Expressive Hands and Faces will take place at the Beatrice Wood art Center in Ojai, June 4 and 5, 10-4pm. This workshop will cover hand-building techniques of the most expressive features on the human body – faces and hands. Students will learn about the anatomical structure of the face to help accurately portray facial features and expressive qualities. Different methods of sculpting emotions will be demonstrated during the workshop. While also learning about the structure of the hands, we will explore the gestural aspect and symbolism of the position of the fingers in different cultures. Step-by-step instructions will explain everything from creating basic rough outlines to refining the surface for finely detailed elements. Works will be fired and available for pick up at a later date. All levels are welcome – I am looking forward to meeting new fellow artists and to reconnecting with my previous students!

 

Sculpted Dreams will be happening at the Epperson Gallery in Crockett.

Schedule: June 11 and June 12, 2022.  10am to 4pm.

At this Bay Area workshop, I’ll be sharing my process of forming otherworldly beings combining mythology, contemporary elements and imagination into a sculptural ceramic object. During the first day I will demonstrate different clay hand-building techniques. On the second day, the main focus will be on surface treatments. The ceramic surface will be approached as a canvas, using slips, underglazes and the sgraffito technique to create vibrant, dynamic surfaces of visual storytelling. Participants will also have the ability to practice post-glaze techniques such as china painting. For this purpose, students are encouraged to bring bisque-ware to experiment on. All levels are welcome!

Each student will receive a 25 lb bag of clay. Bisque firing is included.

Pricing: $250 payable via PayPal to gerald@eppersongallery.com.
Please indicate which Workshop you are signing up for.
Contact: Suzanne M Long. suzannelong@eppersongallery.com

As a 3D ceramic and glass sculptor who has a long history of participating worldwide in exhibitions, residencies and teaching programs, I have been invited by the Art Span to share my knowledge regarding handling, packaging and shipping fragile, intricate, heavy and non-angular artworks. On Tuesday, May 24th during the Online Artist Workshop 6:30-8pm, I’ll be sharing the valuable tips that could ensure your artwork arrives safely to its intended destination.
Register to join us on zoom here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/267145327867

It is Mine and That’s That
stoneware, stains, glazes

For My People
stoneware, stains, glazes, sunflowers

I am so grateful for all these opportunities to present my work and to teach the techniques I have learned throughout the years of working with my favorite material – clay. I pray we’ll celebrate the victory of my native Ukraine by this summer.

Upcoming Winter Shows!

It is an exciting upcoming weekend with back-to-back openings!
Happy to be invited to install the Heavenly Hundred and to show several other sculptures at the Retrospective 10th Year Anniversary Celebration exhibition at Inclusions Gallery!
Opening reception:
Thursday, December 7, 6-9pm
Exhibition runs:
December 7, 2017 – January 14, 2018
Inclusions Gallery
627 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110
Tiny Show at Pence Gallery is coming up and two of my pieces, Aku and La Luna, will be there. I am happy to be included in this amazing collection of art by top local and regional artists.
Opening reception:
Friday, December 8, 6-9 PM
Show runs:
December 2 – December 24
Pence Gallery
212 D Street, Davis, CA 95616

Craft Rebels is a group show at Abrams Claghorn Gallery, featuring Bay Area artists who use traditional craft approaches to make work in response to current events and social issues. My wall figures and free standing sculptures will be a part of this fun show!

Opening reception:
Saturday, December 9, 5-7 pm
Show runs:
December 3 – January 31
Abrams Claghorn Gallery
1251 Solano Ave. Albany CA 94706

Generous Kingdom II is an exhibition that explores symbolism, narrative and beyond. My sculpture, Unspoken Sorrows, was selected to be a part of this show at Verum Ultimum Gallery in Portland, Oregon!

Generous Kingdom II Opening Reception:
December 2, 6-8pm

Verum Ultimum Gallery
3014 NE Ainsworth, Portland, OR 97211

“Call Me What You Want” at Abrams Claghorn Gallery

I am happy to announce I will be part of a great group show at Abrams Claghorn Gallery in September! The show’s title “Call Me What You Want” reflects the idea that all the categories and classifications out there are really arbitrary constructs. The show focuses on works which strip away the unnecessary and reveal the core of what we all share.

My pieces, Heavenly 100 and One With the Source, will be shown.

I hope to see you at the opening on Saturday, September 16th, 5-7pm!
Show Dates: September 3 – 30, 2017

1251 Solano Ave. Albany CA 94706 – (510) 526 9558

http://abramsclaghorn.com/call-me-what-you-want

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Here is a bit more about each of the works:

Heavenly 100
I was born and raised in Kiev, Ukraine. I emigrated to the United States to escape the effects of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Although I have been living in the United States for over 20 years, I still feel a strong connection to the city of my birth. It hurts me to see what is happening in my native country.

Ukraine is going through one of the most blood-soaked times in its nearly 25-year history as an independent nation. In the fall and winter of 2013–2014, more than one hundred civilian protesters were killed. Most of them were shot by snipers from behind police lines. But Ukrainians do not call their dead comrades “victims.” Instead, they call them “heroes” or the “Heavenly Hundred” and believe that the lives of these people will change the country for the better.

I dedicate the Heavenly Hundred installation to the memory of the heroes who sacrificed their lives during the Euromaidan protests. Each little bird with a face on it symbolizes the soul of the hero. Together they are flying skyward, reminding us of their immortal spirits.

I am sad such cruel events are happening in Ukraine and it is hard to believe that so many people died in a European country in the 21st century. But I am also very proud of my nation and I think the Ukrainian people deserve the positive changes that their thoughts and actions have set in motion.

One With the Source
It is often difficult to share private aspects of my life, yet this work expands beyond personal boundaries. When my mom was at the last stages of her life, she told us she did not want any specific religious ceremonies. She wanted to be cremated and have her ashes scattered in beautiful places. In moments of great discomfort during the transition to another world, she would pray out loud in her own words, asking God to take her soul and to release her from her body. I had never heard her praying before; where I come from people do not pray out loud. It turns out my mom was a truly spiritual person without any apparent religious ties.This experience inspired me to create the sculpture One With the Source. This hybrid being carries symbols of many religions coexisting on a fluid surface. Unity does not mean sameness yet all religions strive to be closer to Divinity. I hope humanity will continue to grow in understanding and love for each other as we recognize the differences between religions as parts of a bigger whole. We are all particles of the Divine being. We are all One.

Copyright © 2024 Natasha Dikareva