Beautiful and Unique Cups by Artist Stanislavs Vilums
Special, beautiful, shimmering, and truly unique cups created using the process of reduced ceramics by artist Stanislavs Vilums at his and his wife’s pottery workshop, Cukrasáta, in Latvia.
About Ceramic Artist Stanislavs Vilums
Staņislavs Vilums was born in 1968 in Jaunstrūžāni, Rēzekne region. He studied at Rēzekne Vocational School No. 14, earning a diploma as a ceramic art producer. In 1990, he co-founded Pūdnīku skūla, a group under the Latvian Cultural Fund. Since its inception, he has participated in all group activities, promoting the art of ceramics. Staņislavs is also a member of the National Applied Art Studio (TLMS) Rēzeknes apriņķa pūdnīki (Ceramists of the Rēzekne Region). In 2000, he earned the title TDM (Master of Folk Crafts).
Since 1990, he has worked with reduced firing ceramics, creating his pieces on a pottery wheel. The firing is done in a wood-fired kiln. No industrial technologies are used in the production of his ceramics. The pottery is 100% handmade, making each piece a unique and exclusive work of art.
His works have been exhibited in Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Belarus, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Staņislavs’ pieces can be found in private collections across Europe, America, Asia, and Australia.
About the Cukrasáta Workshop
The pottery house Cukrasáta follows traditional ceramic techniques. It is an authentic workshop located in a modern rural setting. The ceramics are crafted using various methods, including hand-building and the pottery wheel. The finished pottery is fired in a wood-fired kiln, achieving its unique black or black-silver tones through a natural reduction process.
This natural method adds vibrancy and depth to the ceramics, akin to black-and-white photographs. Reduced ceramics are a unique combination of the ceramist's skill and the playful interaction of fire. Initially, the pottery carries a natural smoky aroma, which fades over time with use and washing. Some people appreciate this scent, while others may not. Natural aromas, like freshly milked milk or a new leather bag, are distinctive. Similarly, unglazed ceramics absorb scents through their pores. If you store apples in a ceramic bowl, the bowl will eventually carry the apples' fragrance. Coffee will also leave its mark if left in a ceramic cup for an extended period.
Care Instructions
It is recommended to hand-wash the cups, as they are treated with a natural, edible oil (olive oil) to make them water-repellent and easier to maintain. Washing in a dishwasher may gradually remove the protective layer of oil at high temperatures.
If you prefer to wash the cups in a dishwasher, it should be done at a lower temperature.
