ASYA PALATOVA MFA 04 CR
GLEENA
Based in Cleveland Heights, OH
How does your current creative practice tie into your time spent at RISD?
All my tableware pieces are porcelain and are hand poured and crafted in a small studio/shop in Cleveland, Oh. This process I learned while earning an MFA at RISD. Slip-casting was part of my thesis, and the pieces I created for an installation launched my current line. I mix my own porcelain slip and glazes using food-safe clays and minerals, all recipes that I developed at RISD.
What are some of the most productive and rewarding aspects of your practice or business?
The most productive and rewarding aspect of my business is building relationships with clients and retailers who collect and carry my work. I have been seeing my pieces to stores across the country for over ten years, and have met so many fantastic shop owners, and private collectors. Our conversations and exchange of ideas have inspired and evolved my work.
What are some of the most productive and rewarding aspects of your practice or business?
The most productive and rewarding aspect of my business is building relationships with clients and retailers who collect and carry my work. I have been seeing my pieces to stores across the country for over ten years, and have met so many fantastic shop owners, and private collectors. Our conversations and exchange of ideas have inspired and evolved my work.
How have you dealt with the challenge of maintaining a creative practice that feeds your soul but also helps pay the bills?
It is challenging to stay inspired and creative while producing the same pieces. I introduce at least one new shape every year, and a new glaze. I also experiment a lot. Even if the piece never makes it to production, it is important for me to just play around. I also have started teaching workshops, and student excitement and work re-ignites my passion for the material and process.
To see more of Asya’s work, visit www.gleena.com
