We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Katya Gudaeva a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Katya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

My journey in ceramics began just two years ago, and it’s been a fulfilling and transformative experience. While I am still considering myself a beginner, I truly appreciate the long learning curve that comes with this art form. There’s so much to master, and that’s one of the aspects I find most inspiring about ceramics. I wouldn’t want to speed up the learning process, as the process of learning itself is what makes it so interesting, so I try to enjoy the ride as much as possible.

I’ve had the privilege of attending courses at esteemed places like Pottery Northwest and Seward Park Clay Studio, which have significantly shaped my skills and artistic vision. Currently, I’m enrolled in a teapot-making class at Vortex Pottery, where I’m diving deeper into functional art.

One of my most exciting upcoming adventures is a week-long ceramics workshop in Copenhagen at the end of March with Eric from Tortus. I look forward to learning new techniques and gaining insights from a master in the field. This ongoing learning process keeps my passion alive and fuels my desire to create more and refine my craft.

Additionally, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be attending a three-week learning residency in Korea at the end of the year. This experience will broaden my perspective on ceramics and allow me to engage with traditional methods and contemporary practices in a culturally rich environment. My growth as an artist is continuous, and I embrace the journey of discovery that ceramics offers me daily.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always admired ceramics, especially tableware, and two years ago, I took my very first pottery class. My journey into ceramics began as a personal exploration. Working with clay became a form of meditation, a way to slow down and connect with something elemental.

My work focuses on crafting functional ceramics, from vases to tableware, under my project, Aculina, which is named in honor of my grandmother. I aim to create pieces that feel like home—objects that hold space for comfort, ritual, and connection.

Nature, the passage of time, and the quiet beauty of the every day inspire me. I want my work to be a part of people’s daily lives, enhancing their rituals—whether it’s a morning coffee or a shared meal. For those who follow my journey, I hope my ceramics evoke a sense of stillness, belonging, and appreciation for the handmade.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. My creative journey is driven by the desire to cultivate mindfulness and a sense of home through handmade ceramics. I believe that everyday objects should not only serve a function but also bring moments of tranquility and connection into our lives. I try to craft pieces encouraging people to slow down, appreciate the present, and form meaningful rituals—whether drinking tea from a favorite cup or arranging flowers in a well-loved vase.

I aim to honor the beauty of simplicity and the power of handcrafted objects to carry stories, memories, and a sense of belonging. Ultimately, my work is about creating ceramics that serve as gentle reminders of comfort, care, and the enduring relationship between people and the objects they cherish.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is witnessing how my work becomes a meaningful part of someone’s life. Knowing that a bowl I’ve made is used in a daily ritual, that a vase holds flowers marking a special moment, or that a handmade piece brings someone a sense of calm—that’s what makes it all worthwhile.

There’s also something deeply fulfilling about the process itself—the way clay moves through my hands, the transformation through fire, and the unpredictability that comes with working in ceramics. Each piece carries its own journey, and that unpredictability keeps the craft exciting and humbling.

Beyond the objects themselves, I cherish the connections formed through my work. Whether it’s conversations with collectors, fellow artists, or those who simply appreciate handmade pieces, the shared love for craft and intention is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me that art, even in its most functional form, has the power to bring people together, tell stories, and create a sense of home.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aculinaceramica.com
• Instagram: @aculina.ceramica

Image Credits

Tetiana Photography
Ben Sandall
Cooper Reid