Ieva - a Ceramicist on Nature, Clay, and Linen
A ceramicist whose work echoes the subtle movements of wind, the hush of sunlit meadows, and the quiet, unshaped beauty of the earth. We met with Ieva in her home-studio tucked close to nature, where the presence of forest and field informs not just her designs, but her entire way of living. Ieva's story reveals how creativity, material, and slow living are deeply intertwined.
Formed by the Wild
"My ceramic designs are like a reflection of nature, transmuted through a human lens. I can't imagine any other teacher leading so directly to beauty and harmony as nature does."
For Ieva, nature is not a place to visit - it's a collaborator. The textures and tones of her ceramic work draw directly from her surroundings: the curve of a branch, the granularity of forest soil, the softness of a foggy morning. In this sense, her ceramics are more than functional pieces; they are tactile translations of landscape.
The Art of the Imperfect
"Finding the golden line between refined craftsmanship and a healthy acceptance of imperfection is a true art."
Ieva describes her process as a dance between order and chaos. As she molds clay, she allows for movement, for life to remain in the piece, yet she guides it with structure and care.
Moments That Move
"The feeling of music, the rays of the setting sun, bees, the taste of forest berry... moments so pure they burst with fullness from their absolute simplicity."
These moments of mindfulness remind us that creativity doesn't always strike like lightning - often, it grows quietly, like moss.
Linen as Memory
"Linen reminds me of something I don't remember but feel deeply close to - as if it's from childhood, from a place close to the heart."
Her relationship with linen clothing echoes the emotional texture of her ceramics. There is a shared ancestral pull in both clay and linen, ancient materials shaped by hand, passed down in rituals and daily use. Linen, like clay, carries memory in its folds.
"When I sculpt classical forms, I feel as if I am continuing something very, very old… a tradition passed from village to village, from one civilization to another."
Working with clay becomes a spiritual practice for Ieva - a way to connect to time before time. The same can be said for wearing natural linen garments, which hold the feeling of ancient simplicity. These materials don't just clothe or hold things; they hold meaning.
Starting Slow
"Start with your body - how you nourish it, what fabrics you wrap it in, how much you let it rest." Ieva's advice for embracing a slower life is refreshingly simple: begin with care. With what you eat. With what you wear. With the materials that touch your skin. This echoes what we believe at our core: that choosing sustainable linen, choosing natural fibers, is more than a trend - it's an act of presence.
Final Thought
In Ieva's world, slowness is not about delay; it's about depth. It's about creating beauty that isn't rushed or forced - whether in clay, in linen, or in the life you lead. Her story reminds us that both ceramics and linen clothing are more than objects. They are quiet rituals. They are grounding tools. They are, like the artist herself, perfectly imperfect.
Discover: Dega Handbuilt
Discover more: Explore our women's linen collection
Learn how to build a slower, more tactile wardrobe
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