welcome, my friend
I’m Kristyna Podruhova, and I believe each of us has the opportunity to do what truly makes sense to us, what makes us feel whole. For me, aside from my family, that passion is pottery.
I engrave the words "mé IKIGAI" - my IKIGAI into every piece of ceramics I create. The term "IKIGAI" comes from two Japanese words: iki (生き), meaning "life" or "to live," and gai (甲斐), which translates to "value," "worth," or "benefit." It’s a holistic concept centered on finding purpose in life and engaging in activities that bring fulfillment and deep satisfaction. My IKIGAI is my ceramics.
In my pottery, I strive to combine the beauty of natural materials—the organic textures of clay and glazes. I create minimalist, earthy ceramics that don’t shout but rather soothe and warm the soul.
my creation process
I hold each piece of my pottery in my hands many times, working with it before it is finished and before it finds its owner. Every single piece is a unique original, shaped through countless trials and errors. It’s the result of carefully selecting the right clay, refining the form, and exploring the endless possibilities of glazes. No two pieces will ever be exactly the same, no matter how hard I try. That, to me, is the magic of handmade ceramics—it’s always a record of a singular moment, a reflection of my energy and emotions captured in time.
step 1
By hand-kneading the clay, I first need to remove any air bubbles to ensure it won’t crack or collapse while spinning it on the wheel.
step 2
Once the clay is prepared, I center it on the pottery wheel and shape it with my wet hands.
step 3
I let the newly formed piece dry until it’s firm enough to hold its shape but still workable for further refining.
step 4
I then give it a final touch on the wheel—trimming, refining, and smoothing it by hand.
step 5
I set the piece aside for a few days until it fully dries.
step 6
The first firing in the kiln is typically done at around 920°C. After this, the piece becomes porous and ready for glazing.
step 7
Once cooled, I apply the chosen glaze—a thin layer of glass-like material—that ultimately gives the piece its color and sheen.
step 8
The second firing in the kiln (1,200–1,300°C ) seals the glaze and strengthens the piece into its final form. The outcome is always unpredictable, full of surprises and unique beauty.
