Jaroslav Hrustalenko, a Ukrainian art professor, is a renowned designer of hand-made unique ceramic artworks. All the materials and resources for his products he finds in the nature. Neither does he use any machinery, only his hands, and a simple home-designed potter’s wheel. He makes ceramic chandeliers and lamps, tiles, pots and dishes, and several other unique products.
About the author
Jaroslav Hrustalenko was born in 1973 in Kyiv into a family of artists and musicians. His father is engineer in computer science and professor of math and physics, but his true interests are painting and music. It was his father that made sure Jaroslav had excellent general knowledge and a good artistic and musical education. His grandparents Mykola (painter) and Lida (sculptress) were both academy-trained artists and have greatly influenced Jaroslav’s development.
Accomplishments
His works were first exhibited in 1977 at the State exhibition of children drawings, paintings and graphics in Kyiv, when Jaroslav was only four years old. In 1993, he graduated with distinction at the College for applied ceramics. Then he made a study-visit to Budapest, where he perfected his craft with the greatest Hungarian master of the potter’s wheel, Istvan Berta. Finally in 1996 he came to Slovenia and was employed by a ceramics factory in Liboje, where he designed unique exclusive products. He also leads pottery courses for students and a clay modelling course for adults. Jaroslav Hrustalenko is a member of the Association of Ceramicists and Potters of Slovenia, the Chamber of Craft of Slovenia and the Craft Potters Association, Great Britain.
Creating with nature
Jaroslav Hrustalenko remains true to his ideals and feelings. He puts a lot of effort in reviving old, forgotten and lost techniques of modelling and decorating ceramic products. Many of his artworks were made using his own technological inventions that he spent several years developing. In his workshop, Jaroslav Hrustalenko does not use any machinery or tools other than his hands, natural sponge, a knife, simple paintbrushes and his home-designed potter’s wheel.
His work is appreciated
His works have been exhibited at 12 individual and 18 joint exhibitions and he is also the author of 4 expert publications. His artworks are in private collections of many collectors and art lovers from Europe, USA, Australia and Japan.
