STYLE MAKER Meet ceramicist Silvia Kamodyova

Decorative tableware and ceramics that are as useful as they are beautiful define Silvia Kamodyova’s style – and every piece contains a drop of rich cultural history

As a designer, establishing a distinctive style can be tricky – but for Silvia Kamodyova, growing up in Slovakia and relocating to the UK in her twenties put her in a unique position to consider the nature of craft itself. ‘In my language, we just don’t have the word “craft” – it would only describe a hobby and I find it very misleading. What I do would be called “utility arts”.’ And with its robust silhouettes softened by painterly doses of uplifting colour, Silvia’s work captures this imperfect translation perfectly.

Silvia was born into the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic under communist rule, when artists were restricted by the government. ‘The creative landscape was limited – galleries were full of socialist realism or utopian propaganda,’ she explains. Oblivious to the turbulent political scene around her, Silvia recalls blissful childhood memories of playing in the woods with friends and hot summers spent at the lakes. But perhaps the most impactful pastime was visiting local street markets. ‘These were full of stalls showcasing traditional skills, such as wood carving, pottery and felt making; my village is particularly famous for bobbin lace.’

Years later, and settled in Brighton, this fondness for the handmade inspired Silvia to take evening classes. ‘Painting, drawing, printmaking, photography… you name the class and I guarantee I did it!’ But it was a ceramics course that captured her imagination, leading her to study 3D design and craft. ‘It’s like cooking – there are rules, but they can be broken,’

‘It’s like cooking - there are rules, but they can be broken’

muses Silvia. ‘That’s why I love clay; it’s adaptable to your ideas and can take you down so many different paths.’

Silvia’s unusual combination of ceramic and leather carries its own significance. ‘My grandad used to tie old belts to anything to make it last longer,’ she remembers. ‘We’d always fix anything we could – nothing was thrown away.’ This sentiment has endured, and domestic objects that have withstood the test of time inspire Silvia the most. ‘I’m drawn to tinware, baskets and wooden bowls. Visiting Snoopers Paradise, an antiques emporium in Brighton, is always surprising. I go in just to hold all the old crockery and see how the shapes feel.’

Her commute – cycling along the seafront and through town, past vibrant street art and quirky shops – sets the creative pace for the day. At the studio, Silvia runs every aspect of the business, from making to packing and everything in between: ‘When you’re on your own, every minute counts.’ Of course, it’s the end product that keeps her motivated. ‘I want people to feel comfortable when they use my pieces,’ she says. ‘My work is in terracotta because I get a warm feeling from it. That’s why I leave the bases unglazed, to expose the warmth and silkiness of it.’

Living near the sea is undoubtedly idyllic, and the perfect place to unwind after a hard day’s work. ‘Some of my happiest times are on summer evenings, when I leave my studio for the day and my skin is stained orange from terracotta,’ says Silvia. ‘I jump straight into the sea and wash all the dust off while watching the sunset.’

Find out more at silviakceramics.co.uk

Opposite Silvia in her Brighton studio Clockwise from top Signature splashes of warm, muted colour decorate Silvia’s terracotta tableware, from £25 a piece; managing every aspect of the business herself, Silvia takes a hands-on approach; terracotta pendant lights, from £395 each