Mythic Waters: Narrative Ceramics Workshop with Natasha Dikareva
Two-Day Sculpture Workshop
December 11th – 12th
10am-4pm
$275 + $25 materials fee paid directly to the artist
In this 2-day workshop, Natasha Dikareva will guide you through the process of creating imaginative aquatic-inspired sculptures that blend mythology, folklore, and personal storytelling into unique ceramic pieces. Drawing from the mystery and beauty of underwater life – from ancient mer-legends to contemporary ocean narratives – participants will develop their own sculptural stories of sea creatures, and water-dwelling beings.
On the first day, Dikareva will start with a slide presentation exploring aquatic imagery, mythology, and artistic inspiration, followed by demonstrations of essential hand-building techniques including slab construction, sculpting expressive faces and gestural elements. You’ll also learn building methods for both wall-hanging and free-standing sculptures – giving you versatile display options for your finished work. Whether your creature emerges from a childhood memory, a cultural myth, or pure imagination, you’ll learn to give form to your aquatic narrative.
The second day focuses on transforming the ceramic surface into a vibrant canvas for storytelling. You’ll learn how to apply slips and underglazes, and master the sgraffito technique to carve through layers of color. These methods will help you create dynamic textures and colors that bring your aquatic creatures to life – from intricate scale patterns and flowing water to expressive features and atmospheric details that convey the character and emotion of your creature’s tale.
Throughout the workshop, Dikareva will work collaboratively with students to nurture personal iconography and develop meaningful forms that carry narrative power. Through a balance of creative exploration and hands-on instruction, you’ll discover your own artistic voice while mastering construction and surface decoration techniques.
All skill levels are welcome! Participants will leave with work that reflects their own vision of the aquatic realm – each piece holding its own story – and a deeper understanding of the clay process.
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Born and raised in Kiev, Ukraine, Natasha Dikareva started creating at a young age and her passion for the visual arts led to pursuing a BFA in graphics at the Kiev State Academy of Art and Design. The narrow standard of approved art of Soviet realism inadvertently pushed Dikareva to develop her own symbolic language. Dikareva immigrated to Minneapolis and received her MFA from the University of Minnesota in 2004. After graduating, she moved to San Francisco where she lived and worked for 15 years. In 2020 she relocated to the East Coast. She now splits her time between Newmarket, NH and Sarasota, FL, working on series-based sculptures that reflect her personal life and the events around the world. From the mythical forest creatures inspired by the wildlife of New England to the haunting images of war-torn Ukraine, Dikareva’s work showcases the range and depth of her artistic vision.
Dikareva’s work has been featured in various publications, including 500 Prints on Clay and New Ceramics European magazine, and garnered several prizes, such as the Grand Prize at the American Museum of Ceramic Art in 2012. She exhibits locally and internationally and her work is held in public and private collections including Yixing Ceramics Museum and Kamm Foundation. Recently, she has been featured on public radio and television, where she has spoken about her artistic process and her reflections on the latest events in Ukraine.Â
Held at the Morean Center for Clay
420 22nd Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Purchasing a gift for someone? Consider a gift card! Call us at 727-821-7162 x2311 or drop in during business hours!
Tuition Refund Policy:Â Full refund or credit will be issued for any class cancelled by the Morean Arts Center. A $25 processing fee is deducted for all other student refund requests. No refunds will be issued on or after the first day of class.
