AWAI
あわい
The Japanese word "awai" (あわい) can be translated to English as "pale", "light", "faint", or "soft". It is often used in Japanese aesthetics to describe qualities of subtle beauty, understated elegance, or a sense of delicate restraint.
Awai reflects the Japanese appreciation for understated beauty and the art of "less is more". It represents a way of seeing and experiencing the world that values subtlety, nuance, and simplicity, and that finds beauty in the quiet and gentle aspects of life.
In a modern world, the value of handmade items is lost on many. Awai ceramics is for those who find happiness in knowing the story of their belongings. For those seeking solace and comfort in their surroundings. For those who want to celebrate special occasions in their lives with useful objects created by the hand of another human being.
Olga Iacovlenco
Olga began with a desire to live a simple, rewarding lifestyle centered around the idea of creating beautiful objects for daily use. Ceramics revealed itself to her as a medium through which she could cultivate and share that beauty with others.
Olga creates sculptural ceramic objects, which are the result of an intuitive process. The imaginative journey for her is just as important as the destination. Her sculptures grow steadily from her love for the clay and the process. Every piece reflects the wayward beauty of her poetic visual language. Handbuilding emphasizes the individuality of her work.
Her signature style is defined by subtle textures, a minimalist aesthetic, and a conceptual approach. She draws inspiration from the forms and textures she finds in the natural environment.
She enjoys researching the history of ceramics and design, which in turn informs her creative work. Outside of her art practice, she loves spending time exploring the coast and mountains of British Columbia, where she lives.
Ольга Яковленко
Artist Statement
My work in ceramics is an exploration of organic forms and the fragile beauty of the natural world. Guided by a desire for calmness and tranquillity, I seek to evoke a sense of peace and harmony through my minimalist creations. Every piece is a meditation on naturalness, an invitation for contemplation, and an embodiment of consciousness.
My creative process is rooted in simplicity. Working with clay in a simple hand-building technique, I bring my sculptures into being coil by coil slowly and thoughtfully. From the silent exchange with the material, contours and shapes manifest into an enduring presence. It is the process of envisioning intellectual, emotional, and sensual information in three-dimensional space. This way of making allows each piece to tell the story of its becoming.
Currently, I am drawn to sculptural organic shapes, subtle textures, and muted natural hues. I want the material qualities of clay to be visible in the finished piece, so I often leave my vessels unglazed, allowing the medium to express itself. As a result, the viewer is met with quiet but resilient beauty, unassuming charm, balance, and poise.
My goal is to bring a touch of artistry, character, and elegance into mindful living spaces. Through my work, I wish to cultivate a sense of tranquillity and grace, reminiscent of the serene ambiance one might find in nature. To make ceramics by hand is to be part of an ancient tradition of unimaginable depth and complexity. I feel extremely fortunate and grateful to offer my perspective to the world.