My name is Jurga (that ‘J’ sounds a bit more like a ‘Y’), and I am the creative mind and the muddy hands of “Muddy Handmade Ceramics”.

Ever since I touched clay for the first time, I just couldn’t get enough of it. I find this craft to be endlessly fascinating, and love everything about it (well… except maybe wedging clay). I get excited about all kinds of firings and kilns, glaze chemistry, surface decoration techniques and clay bodies. As a result of my curiosity, my work is very varied too.

Perhaps my background in drawing makes me see pots as blank canvas, and when I hold a leather-hard piece in my hands, to me - that’s where it really begins. I like textures and earthy tones, often draw or carve original designs on my pieces, or finish them in a way that allows the kiln atmosphere and glaze combinations to ‘paint’ them.

The connection between humans and the natural world has always been important to me. Working with clay often makes my mind wonder and visit the places and causes that I love, care about, and find the most inspiring - ocean, forests, mountains and animals. I like to believe that having nature close by, even if it's just through something as simple as drinking tea from a mug adorned with hand-carved mountains, brings a sense of brightness to the moment. I love creating functional art, and being able to share it with others.

Thanks for being here,

Jurga