AMPHORA Size: 60 cm
Material: stoneware
Technique: handbuilt, reduction firing
Neolithic Inspiration in a Contemporary Amphora Design
This project was undertaken during my exchange studies in Poland, where the task was to create a large, hand-built amphora. Drawing on my deep interest in Neolithic art, I took inspiration from the iconic spiral motifs often seen in ancient Greek amphoras. These spirals frequently served as decorative bands around the vessel, but for this project, I reimagined the spiral as an integral part of the amphora's form itself. The final result is a bold synthesis of ancient motifs with contemporary form, symbolizing a bridge between past and present through material, shape, and process.
The central design feature is a large, sculptural spiral that is not merely an applied decoration but a defining aspect of the amphora’s overall shape. While it may appear solid from the outside, the spiral is, in fact, hollow — a technical achievement that added complexity to the building process.
Once the amphora was fully modeled, it was carefully dried to avoid cracking and then fired in a reduction atmosphere. This unique firing process, which reduces oxygen within the kiln, produced a concrete-like color on the surface, adding a raw, earthy aesthetic to the piece. To further highlight the spiral, I incorporated a copper string as part of the design process. The copper left subtle yet striking marks on the surface, serving as a visual trace of the material's transformation during firing.
BOBA BRTKO CHANDOGOVÁ
