Anna Aleksejeva
she/her
Ukrainian Smoked Ceramics
Ukrainian smoke ceramics, a testament to ancient artistic traditions and rich functional heritage, now faces a critical juncture. Once integral to daily life and cultural identity, this unique craft is threatened by declining public awareness, limited institutional support, and restricted market access. For this art form to not only survive but flourish in modern Ukraine, it urgently requires both public and governmental recognition not just as a historical artefact, but as a vibrant, evolving practice with continued relevance.
The book explores the distinctive black surfaces and symbolic ornamentation of these smoke-fired ceramics. The techniques, passed down through generations, demonstrate a deep understanding of local materials, firing processes, and aesthetic principles. A short film complements this, focusing on my personal experience of travelling to Ukraine in 2025 to learn from and create alongside those who continue to keep this tradition alive.
Bumpy Road, zine printed with Riso
Bumpy Road, zine printed with Riso
Short film
Hands. Clay. Smoke.
Hands. Clay. Smoke.
Hands. Clay. Smoke.
293 + 1, type specimen
293 + 1, type specimen
Smoked ceramics
Research
293 + 1, work in process
Hands. Clay. Smoke. cover design
Hands. Clay. Smoke. cover design