Irina Okula

Artist Statement

The inspiration of the clay objects I create goes back to my long interest in Native American Pottery. For many years I have been teaching a course on Indian pottery using many of their techniques of construction and firing. I love the polished surfaces they produce without glaze. I have visited the Pueblos in New Mexico and Arizona and marveled at the beautiful landscape of the western states. My work echoes these influences. I see my work as sculptural rather than functional. I throw large open bowls and use them as a canvas. I go out and collect many natural combustible materials for use in the firing process. Prior to firing, the materials are placed in and around my work. The fire and combustible material will dance upon the clay and leave exciting random marks. The patterns left by the process invoke the fiery chaos of nature, contrasted with the calm and serene patterns reminiscent of cloudy skyscapes and geologic formations. Each bowl is one of a kind and sometimes goes through many firings until I am satisfied with the final result. Experimentation and risk taking is a large part of their process. Getting one successful piece out of many keeps me coming back and trying again.

Education

Fontbonne College - BA in Art, 1966
Southern Illinois University - MFA in Ceramics, 1971
Boston Museum School 1985 - 1987
Haystack Mountain School of Crafts 1987, 1989, 1991, 1997, 2004, 2005, 2007
Anderson Ranch 2006

Shows

Paradise City – Northhampton, MA. 2005, 2007
Paradise City Craft Show - Marlborough, MA. 2005
Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show – Philadelphia, PA. 2007 Berkshire Craft Show - Lennox, MA.- 2007
Crafts in the Castle - Boston MA. - 2006, 2007
CraftsBoston - Boston, Ma. 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Remis Gallery - Byfield, MA 2003
Newburyport Art Association - Newburyport, MA - award for best use of media - and Newburyport Bank Award for General Excellence 2003
Newburyport Art Association - Newburyport, MA - H. Patterson Hale, Jr. Memorial Prize for Excellence - 2002
Lexington Arts and Crafts - Lexington, MA - The State of Clay 2002
Newburyport Art Association - Newburyport, MA - Group Show 2002
River Gallery - Ipswich, MA - Two Man Show 2002
Carl Youngman Gallery - Byfield, MA - The Three Potters 2001
IWCAT - Tokonname, Japan - Group Show - 2000
Northshore Clayworks - Occmulgee Pottery, Ipswich MA, Member Show 1992
Carl Youngman Gallery - Byfield, MA - Faculty Show 1990
Carl Youngman Gallery - Byfield, MA - Three Man Show 1988
Boston Museum School - Boston, MA - Student Show 1986,1987
ACC Rhinebeck Craft Show - Rhinebeck, New York 1975
Craft Alliance University Saint Louis University - Saint Louis, MO - Two Man Show 1971
Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, Il - Three Man Show 1970
Michigan State University 1970
Evanston Museum - Evanston, Il - Purchase Award 1970

Galleries

Vessels Gallery - South Boston, MA
Exeter Fine Crafts - Exeter, NH
Newburyport Art Association - Newburyport, MA
Chameleon Gallery - Newburyport, Ma