Working in war

The Ukrainian conflict has had a devastating impact on the country, with many businesses forced to shut down or relocate due to the violence and economic instability. Among those affected were Ukrainian ceramic artists, who faced enormous challenges in trying to maintain their craft and keep their businesses afloat in the midst of the conflict.

Our wonderful ceramic artist Anna has been creating handmade lights and teaching master classes with her family for a number of years from their workshop in Kiev.  As the conflict escalated, Anna unfortunately lost her entire workshop and kiln. With the enormity with what was happening in her country, her brother took his wife and children abroad and Anna’s husband went to help support the Ukrainian army.  Immediate survival was the main focus.

In early March 2022, Anna found a way to turn back to her art and doing what she loved.  The need was strong to switch her thoughts to ways that she could uniquely help her country, it’s goverment, the army and the many refugees - by doing her part to rebuild the economy.

A new workshop space was found and Anna would often find herself working with no lights, under the sounds of explosions and alarm sirens.

Through her perseverance and determination, Anna has demonstrated the resilience of the Ukrainian arts community in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges of war and economic instability, she has found a way to keep her craft alive and help support the local economy. Her story serves as an inspiration to other artists facing similar challenges, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, creativity and innovation can help us find a way forward.

Anna creates our Earthen Bone ceramic pendant light that can be made in various sizes to suit your project, though our standard size hits the mark perfectly.

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