Children’s pottery exhibit at Kyivan Cave Monastery
Our ancestors knew that clay exuded some special energy and that it had a calming effect on man. Clay acquires an even greater meaning in children’s hands as they convey to this material their sincerity, calmness of their soul, and good intentions — something adults sometimes lack so badly.
Such is the conviction of Yevhen Maslii, head of the Fortuna pottery group at Kyiv’s Gymnasium [High School] No. 158. An exhibit of items made by his pupils recently opened at the Museum of Ukrainian Folk Decorative Art. It mostly consists of earthenware created by fifth graders for whom an exposition at such a prestigious museum is a real debut.
If I had not known that I was going to see an exhibit of children’s works, I would have never guessed that this clay pot or that white glazed sugar bowl, or that tower-shaped candlestick were made by children. In fact, every item on display is designed for practical use, meaning that you can brew tea in this teapot, or coffee in that cezve (a pot for making Turkish coffee), or keep milk and wine in those jugs, and sweets in those sugar bowls. The young potters humbly showed which work was whose; they were camera-shy, but willingly shared the secrets of their trade.
Says the young potter Anna Fast: “Several of my works are on display, including a tower-shaped candlestick. I made a sketch first and then made clay components: a truncated cone, a disk, and long stripes (I call them kovbaska, a lean sausage). Then I put them together and molded a tower, like the ones in castles, and put a real candle on top. I worked on this candlestick for a week, which is a very short period compared to other works. I have always liked doing something with my hands and before joining this group I molded figures out of Play-Doh. Now I am working with clay and this helps me calm down and takes my mind away from studies.”
Anna is not sure as yet whether she will dedicate her life to pottery; maybe it is just a hobby and will remain so. Other Fortuna members have made up their minds to become professional potters. Anna Chereda, the group’s graduate (she finished school and is now enrolled in a construction lyceum), still attends the group’s classes whenever she has the time. By the way, her works are also on display, including one of her favorites—a white glazed clay swan. She has 15 similar ones in her private collection. Some are stored at home, others at the group’s place, and still others are with her friends as presents meant to bring good luck (objects made from clay were once considered talismans).
Says Yevhen Maslii: “Today children require certain incentives to study, do creative work, or do sports. So this exhibit at the Museum of Folk Decorative Art is precisely what is needed. I invited some of my graduates, who already have their own style, technique, and imagery, to attend the opening ceremony. I want my current students to meet them and learn from their works. So the incentive turned out to be two-fold: the children saw their works and realized that other people, besides me, their children, and schoolteachers, are interested in their creative work. An individual who can make things with his or her hands and is overflowing with creative energy will always find a place in the sun, regardless of the profession.
Another benefit of this exhibit is that dozens of people, including future fans, will see works created by young talents. This is probably the greatest stimulus for the beginner.
