VASES SCALE
Material: stoneware
Technique: pressmold
"Scale" Vases: A Symbol of Balance and Polarity
The "Scale" vases derive their name from their distinctive, harmonious shape, which echoes the concept of balance. This design is a reflection of my core belief that the universe is governed by the balance of opposing forces — a concept beautifully captured by the ancient adage, "As above, so below." This idea suggests that what occurs on a higher plane of existence is mirrored in the world below, symbolizing the interconnected nature of all things.
This philosophy traces its roots to the Book of the Secret of Creation, an ancient text that reveals how all matter is composed of four elemental principles: heat, cold, moisture, and dryness — concepts originally articulated by Aristotle. These elements interact to create relationships of sympathy and antipathy between beings. This notion of polarity — of opposing yet interconnected forces — serves as the foundation for my creative process.
The "Scale" vases embody this duality. Their form is a visual dialogue between opposites. The upper and lower halves mirror each other in symmetry, but the core is intentionally twisted in a spiral, symbolizing the constant push and pull of opposing forces. The vase’s spout and base face opposing directions, emphasizing the idea of polarity in every aspect of life — from light and dark to yin and yang, and from masculine and feminine energies.
On a personal level, this concept resonates with my own journey toward balance in everyday life. My work delves into the psychology of consciousness and the subconscious, exploring how these inner worlds shape our experiences and traumas. Each vase represents an artistic exploration of these forces, capturing the tension between opposites and the beauty that emerges from their interaction.
With its unique, twisting form and symbolic depth, the "Scale" vase is more than a decorative piece — it’s a statement of philosophy and design. It speaks to those who seek more than aesthetics in their space — it invites reflection, conversation, and connection. By bringing this piece into your home, you invite the essence of balance and harmony into your living space.
Discover the perfect blend of art, philosophy, and design with the "Scale" vase — a sculptural expression of the beauty that lies in contrast.
The journey begins with carving the form by hand into plaster, where every curve, twist, and subtle detail is sculpted with precision. From this original form, I create two distinct types of molds, each serving a unique purpose in the vase-making process.
Using the first mold, I pour liquid porcelain slip, which, after drying process, is fired at high temperatures to create a vase with a smooth, refined surface.To achieve a rich, even color and velvety finish, I spray each piece with glaze, ensuring a flawless, modern aesthetic.The second process is more tactile and raw. Stoneware clay slabs are hand-pressed into a specialized mold, with each slab carefully joined to create the shape of the vase.Unlike traditional pottery, I leave the visible joints exposed, embracing the natural beauty of the raw surface. The textured finish adds depth, authenticity, and a sense of raw, artistic honesty to each piece.
But perhaps the most striking and innovative part of this process is my unique printing method. Using a plaster slab as a canvas, I paint abstract patterns and textures onto its surface. Before the paint dries, I press the clay slabs onto this surface, allowing the pattern to transfer directly to the clay. This method produces a one-of-a-kind finish on each vase, meaning no two pieces are ever identical. Every firing reveals a new surprise, a moment of revelation that can´t be replicated. It’s an artistic process that invites both anticipation and excitement.The final step is the most unpredictable: the kiln firing process. Due to the unique S-shape of the vase, each piece presents a technical challenge.
The creation of the "Scale" vases is a testament to my dedication to craftsmanship, artistic risk, and creative exploration. Each vase is the result of a meticulous, multi-step process that bridges traditional techniques with modern innovation — ensuring that no two vases are ever exactly alike.
SET FOR TWO
Size: 34 cm
Material: Porcelain
Technique: Casted ceramics
The porcelain Set for Two is a thoughtfully designed dining set intended for compact and intimate dining experiences for couples. Its primary goal is to foster closeness and connection, symbolizing relationships and the harmony between dualities,masculine and feminine principles, yin and yang, day and night, positive and negative, consciousness and subconsciousness, and more.
This design draws inspiration from my lifelong fascination with relationships, duality, microscopic structures, and fractals. It embodies the idea that two distinct entities can come together to form a unified whole. The set’s amorphous forms are reminiscent of cell division, symbolizing the creation of unity from separate parts. Each piece mirrors the other, emphasizing the interconnectedness of its components.
The design focuses on the shared experience of dining, where individuality is respected—allowing each partner to enjoy a different meal—yet unity is celebrated through the shared moment. The small size of the set emphasizes intimacy, designed to encourage partners to face each other in close connection, with a candle placed at the center as a symbol of shared warmth and light.
Each piece in the set was meticulously crafted using plaster as the base medium. Every unit was carved in plaster and then cast directly against the other components to ensure they fit seamlessly together. This "skin-to-skin" casting process allowed for a perfect match between the pieces, creating a cohesive "family" of forms. Once cast, the pieces were carefully sanded and grounded into smooth final shapes, ensuring their proportions and surfaces were flawless.
After achieving the desired plaster shapes, I created molds to facilitate the ceramic casting process. While casting itself wasn’t a major challenge, working with porcelain posed unique difficulties due to its tendency to warp during firing. To overcome this, I fired the entire set together to maintain their relationships and alignment. Glazing presented another challenge: the pieces had to be carefully glazed and positioned to prevent them from sticking to one another during the firing process while still preserving their harmonious fit.
From an artistic perspective, this project represents my vision of relationships as bonds where two distinct parts create a unified whole. The emphasis is not on the differences of the individual elements but on their ability to form connections, adapt, and coexist harmoniously. The set intentionally challenges traditional categorization while celebrating equality and mutual respect, which are essential for the creation of any relationship.
Ultimately, the Set for Two serves as both a functional dining set and a profound artistic statement about unity, harmony, and the beauty of interconnectedness.
BOBA BRTKO CHANDOGOVÁ
