In the Spotlights 2014 | Page 37

Ceramic bead artist Vladislav Ivanov from Golem Design Studio

Q: In an earlier interview with Michelle Mach (Beadwork juni/juli 2012) you told her you both worked as teachers before starting Golem Design Studio’s. You quit your job in 2000 and your wife Kremena in 2001. Why did you choose ceramic as your media and why making beads?

From my early school years I loved to make small things from clay and plasticine; and later on wax, which was probably my absolute favorite. In high school I was studying wood carving for 2 years, so I became pretty familiar with the basic carving techniques and tools. At the same time my fascination with history and especially, with archaeological artifacts was growing with each visit to an archaeological site or museum.

Another completely different interest of mine was chemistry. Mostly because I was charmed by the magic of fire. The almost magical high

temperature reactions between the metals and non-metal elements still fascinate me. My last 2 years in high school were dominated by hesitation about what I wanted to do, what kind of career I should start working on? I suppose this sounds pretty familiar for most of you :-)

In 1989, after I finished high school, I finally made a decision and started studying education at the Veliko Tarnovo University, bearing in mind that there was a sub department “Fine and Applied Arts”. At the same time, I started my own research and experiments in the area of reproduction of archaeological artifacts from different epochs, using different materials and techniques.

Can you guess what I found waiting for me on the crossroad between the art history and chemistry during this researches? Yes, you are right – the ceramic art, with all the unlimited shaping and decorating techniques, the different clays and unlimited palette of colors, the excitement of opening each kiln firing and the promises for even greater miracles in the next one.

After I finished my MA in Pedagogic, Fine and Applied Arts in 1994 I started work as a teacher in the primary school. Teaching had its great moments, and it had its bad ones, but it was far from satisfying for me. My desire for independence was also inspired by the traditions in my family, especially the ones that come from my mother's side. They were craftsmen for centuries – black smiths, carpenters, wood carvers, silversmiths. My Grandfather was a very skilled blacksmith and carpenter.