A ceramic horse figurine in the foreground with a person working at a craft station in the background in a ceramic studio.

Sustainability and upcycling are central to my practice. I seek opportunities to repurpose materials whenever possible, finding value and beauty in what might otherwise be discarded. For me, imperfection is not a flaw but a story—a reflection of human touch, chance, and the natural rhythms of making. My pieces celebrate the irregular, the hand-shaped, and the unique marks that emerge through the creative process, reflecting a belief that beauty lies not in perfection but in authenticity and character.

Ultimately, my work is an invitation—to slow down, notice, and appreciate the quiet, often overlooked moments of life. Whether through the curves of a hand-built vessel, the subtle textures of a surface, or the layered patterns echoing folk traditions, I aim to create pieces that resonate on both an aesthetic and emotional level. Each object is a reflection of care, intention, and the enduring value of handmade art in a world that moves ever faster.

Through my ceramics, I hope to foster connection—between past and present, maker and viewer, and the simple beauty of objects and the mindful awareness they can inspire.

Hi, I’m Daria, a Ukrainian-born artist now based in Philadelphia. My creative journey has taken me through many forms of artistic expression—from photography to painting—but it is in ceramics that I have found my truest sense of connection and purpose.

Working with clay offers a tactile, grounding experience, a rhythm that mirrors the principles of the slow movement, which guide both my life and my practice. I am drawn to intention, patience, and a respect for process, believing that authentic artistry emerges not in haste but in attentive, mindful engagement with materials.

Each piece I create is shaped by hand, a direct conversation between my hands and the clay. I draw inspiration from folk art, decorative patterns, and the cultural histories woven into these traditions. This connection to heritage and symbolism allows me to bridge past and present, honoring time-honored aesthetics while reinterpreting them through a contemporary lens. I strive to create works that feel both familiar and surprising, inviting viewers to pause and engage with the quiet beauty of everyday objects.

A woman in a workshop is carving clay, on a worktable, with a smile on her face.