Meeting with Séva, sculptor of the earth
Since her childhood in Russia, Seva has been immersed in an artistic universe. Her mother, a silk painter, and her father, passionate about polishing semi-precious stones, gave her a sensitivity for materials and know-how. But it was sculpture that captured her attention, guided by an instinctive call of the earth.
His first steps in this art took place in the school of applied arts run by his mother, where he discovered ceramics under the tutelage of two demanding potters. These mentors taught him the essential gestures and the importance of long time , lessons that continue to nourish his work today. His very first creation, a massive bird inspired by Mesopotamian art, is a testimony to his early fascination with Assyrian reliefs.
In the snowy workshop of his early days, Seva discovered much more than know-how: he experienced for the first time an intense joy and a total letting go in the act of creation, emotions that still accompany him today.
Can you describe the steps involved in making one of your pieces?
I work with chamotte clay, which is resistant to thermal shocks. It all starts with a mass that I shape by hand to obtain an approximate form, sometimes guided by my inspiration, sometimes by a precise plan. Then, I hollow out the shape using peepers and my hands, my best tool.
I sometimes violently throw the earth against a wall to make a silhouette emerge. My hands instinctively know what shape to find . The finishes are more meticulous: I polish the earth with agates or smooth objects that inspire me.
For cooking, I use two main techniques:
- Raku : After firing, I take the incandescent piece out of the oven to immerse it in organic materials (sawdust, shavings, dead leaves). The unique cracks that form on the enamel are evidence of the thermal shock.
- Terra sigillata : I apply a slip made from fine clay particles for a silky finish. I make these slips myself with clay collected during my travels or in the forest near my home.
What technique or working method do you prefer?
Each land is unique and offers incredible hues. One of my favorite lands is located 20 meters from my house, it doesn't get more local than that! I also like wood firing, which brings an alchemical dimension to my work. Fire, capricious and unpredictable, is a creative partner that decides the final colors.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes mainly from nature, where each element seems to carry a story. Trees with their rough bark, stones polished by water, wild animals, and even the light that passes through the foliage or rests on a surface offer me an infinite wealth of shapes, textures and nuances.
What is the biggest challenge in your job?
Time management is a major challenge. Ceramics require patience and humility. Drying, firing, and even preparing the engobes take a considerable amount of time. You also have to be able to accept the unexpected, such as breakage, which is part of the process. I have a "graveyard" of broken bear and deer sculptures to remember them.
What is the object that has the most sentimental importance to you?
It is without hesitation my big lying bear, which is part of your selection. Made in red clay with engobes from the forest of Saint-Cyr-l'École, it remains a very precious piece for me.
What piece do you dream of creating that still represents a challenge?
I am currently working on a series of large sculptures in mixed media (reliefs, sgraffito, superpositions of materials). They connect the symbols of the world of the steppes and forests of my childhood to elements of the Christian universe.
Discover our Sasha sculptures , unique creations handcrafted by Seva!
Each piece is meticulously crafted using traditional techniques, giving them a unique organic aesthetic. With their delicate curves and natural textures, Sasha sculptures embody the perfect balance between modernity and timelessness. Ideal for dressing up a shelf, a console or even a coffee table, Seva sculptures are a reflection of exceptional craftsmanship 😍✨
