An Interview with Ceramic Artist Elena Vostryakova: Inspiration from the Depths and Ancient Mysticism

Quote by Elena Vostryakova about ceramics

Elena Vostryakova is a ceramic artist whose work weaves together the mysteries of the natural world and the echoes of ancient cultures. With a deep connection to marine life, watery landscapes, and mystical motifs, her sculptures resonate with emotion and timelessness. In this exclusive interview, conducted on March 27, 2025, Elena shares the inspirations behind her art, the emotions she pours into each piece, and the remarkable success her ceramics have found in the art world.

 

Sculpture by Elena Vostryakova, Lovers

Kevin Millward: Elena, your ceramics are truly captivating, often evoking the feeling of being submerged in an underwater world or stepping into an ancient myth. What draws you to marine animals and watery landscapes as a source of inspiration?

Elena Vostryakova: Thank you! For me, water is a boundless source of life and mystery. Growing up near the northern waters of Karelia in Russia, close to Finland, I was surrounded by lakes and rivers that felt alive with stories. Marine animals—fish, octopuses, jellyfish—fascinate me with their fluid forms and hidden depths. They move in ways that defy the rigidity of land, and I try to capture that sense of flow in my clay. Watery landscapes, too, have this reflective quality, like a mirror to the soul. I see them as a bridge between the physical and the spiritual, and that’s something I want my sculptures to reflect. 

Kevin: Your work also seems to carry the weight of ancient cultures. How do these influences find their way into your ceramics?

Elena: My time working at the Kizhi open-air museum as a young woman was transformative. There, I was immersed in the traditional architecture, iconography, and daily life of ancient northern peoples. I saw how they lived in harmony with nature, how their tools and art carried a sense of purpose and reverence. That experience stayed with me. When I sculpt, I often think about how ancient cultures used clay to tell their stories—whether through vessels or totems. I don’t replicate their work, but I borrow that spirit: the idea that an object can hold history, memory, and a connection to something greater. It’s like I’m having a conversation with the past through my hands.

Kevin: Mystical motifs are a recurring theme in your art. What role does mysticism play in your creative process?

Elena: Mysticism, to me, is about the unseen—the emotions and energies that linger beneath the surface. I’ve always been drawn to the idea that objects can carry a soul or a story beyond their physical form. In my ceramics, I use shapes and textures that feel otherworldly—spirals that suggest infinity, or forms that look like they’ve been dredged from some forgotten sea. I want people to feel a sense of wonder or curiosity when they look at my work, as if they’re glimpsing something sacred or lost. Clay itself feels mystical; it’s fragile yet enduring, a material that can outlast us all.

Kevin: Speaking of emotions, your sculptures seem to pulse with feeling. What emotions do you pour into your art, and how do you hope they resonate with viewers?

Elena: Every piece I make is an emotional journey. There’s joy in the act of creation, in watching a form emerge from the clay. But there’s also longing—for connection, for understanding—and sometimes a quiet melancholy, reflecting on time and impermanence. I think about my own life, my roots, and the world around me as I work. I hope viewers feel that depth, that they can sense the love and contemplation I’ve put into it. If someone looks at one of my sculptures and feels moved—whether it’s awe, peace, or even a touch of sadness—I’ve succeeded in sharing something real.

Kevin: Your ceramics have gained quite a following. How well do they sell, and what do you think draws people to your work? 

Elena: I’m humbled by how well my pieces have been received. They sell steadily, both through galleries and online platforms like Saatchi Art, where works like my "Guy Fawkes Mask" have found homes with collectors worldwide. I think people are drawn to the uniqueness of each piece—since they’re handmade, no two are exactly alike. The combination of natural inspiration and that mystical, ancient vibe seems to resonate with those who want art that feels alive and meaningful. It’s not just decoration; it’s a story they can bring into their space. The demand keeps me busy, and I’m grateful for that.

Kevin: Finally, what’s next for you as an artist? Any new directions or themes you’re exploring?

Elena: I’m always evolving. Right now, I’m experimenting with larger forms—pieces that feel like they’ve risen from the ocean floor or an archaeological dig. I want to push the boundaries of scale and texture, maybe even incorporate more mixed media to deepen the narrative. The sea and the past will always be my muses, but I’m excited to see where they take me next. 

 

Sculpture by Elena Vostryakova, Ancient Coral

Elena Vostryakova’s ceramics are more than objects; they are vessels of emotion, history, and imagination. Through her connection to marine life, ancient cultures, and the mystical, she invites us to dive into a world where clay speaks and stories endure. As her work continues to captivate collectors, it’s clear that her art is not just seen—it’s felt.