women in art: Anna Shipulina’s Exploration of Womanhood and Natural Forms through ceramic art

This is my interview for the 5th edition of “The Art Bridge“ magazine published on October 28th, 2024. Enjoy!

Anna Shipulina is a talented ceramic artist whose work intricately weaves together themes of female identity, the beauty of nature, and the tactile experience of art. Through her exploration of fluid movement, soft lines, and organic shapes, Anna seeks to evoke a sense of calmness and harmony in her observers.

Her ceramics reflect a deep fascination with the female experience, celebrating the transformative journey women undergo as they embrace their true selves. With a focus on raw elegance and the unglazed texture of clay, Anna invites viewers to engage with her work on a sensory level, allowing the unique imprints of her hands to tell a story of authenticity and human connection.

Your work often reflects the journey of the female body and its evolution over time. Does your personal experience influence the way you portray this transformative process in your ceramics?

In many ways, yes. Over the years, my relationship with my body has evolved significantly. Only now, in my forties, have I reached a level of self-acceptance and appreciation for what my body does for me.

I spent years wearing uncomfortable high heels and squeezing into tight clothing to meet society’s standards of beauty. Even when we talk about self-love and acceptance, many women still engage in harmful behaviors in pursuit of an ideal.

I’ve shifted my focus from how my body looks to valuing what it does for me internally. My body has allowed me to become pregnant, deliver a healthy child, and care for my family. It also gives me the strength to spend hours in the studio creating art.

Your work evokes nature with its fluid movement and organic shapes. How do you see the relationship between nature and the human body, and what inspires your choice of forms?

I draw nourishment and inspiration from nature. The organically shaped forms I create directly reflect what I observe outdoors. Everything in nature is fluid - gentle, calm, and beautifully imperfect - just like the human body.
I strive to celebrate the uniqueness of women’s bodies. Each woman is special in her way, and we should not force ourselves to fit into someone else’s standards.

You prefer leaving significant portions of your ceramics unglazed to preserve the raw, natural texture of the clay. How does this decision influence the sensory experience you wish to evoke in your audience?

I’m a very tactile person. I want viewers to engage with my work physically, to touch the surface and feel its texture and temperature. By leaving parts of my ceramics unglazed, I hope to offer that sensory experience, allowing them to connect with the artwork on a deeper level.

Your work often bears the imprint of your hands, emphasizing the human touch and imperfections. How important is this tactile connection to your overall artistic philosophy?

The tactile connection is essential. In today’s market, many products appear handcrafted but are not, and it’s not always easy to tell the difference.

I embrace the imperfections that come from my preferred coil-building technique, as these marks serve as reminders of the human touch, bringing authenticity and uniqueness to each piece.

How has your cultural background influenced your artistic vision and themes in your work?

I was born and raised in Russia and moved to the U.S. at 29, which was pivotal. Starting a family during this transition led me to explore the transformations women undergo - both personally and physically. These experiences became central themes in my artistic practice.

Reflecting on your artistic journey, what has been the most significant project or turning point for you?

I stumbled into ceramics unexpectedly and initially saw it as a craft. However, transitioning to hand-building allowed me to create sculptural works.

This shift opened up unlimited potential for form and scale and prompted me to explore the narrative of womanhood, which is now a central theme in my work.

You’ve collaborated with renowned interior design companies. How do you approach these collaborations, and how do they shape your creative process?

I have a deep appreciation for designers who choose handmade art. In these collaborations, we work closely to select pieces that fit their clients’ needs. Some projects push me to expand my skills, especially when larger pieces are requested. I focus on projects that align with my body of work, but I’m flexible in accommodating different sizes and color palettes, allowing for creative growth while staying true to my vision.

To read a full edition V of the “The Art Bridge“ magazine please click here.