Iara Talledo Violani

Ceramicist

©Clare Johnson

Ceramics inspired by brutalism and hyperpop

Chaos and surprise are at the core of Iara’s artistic expression
She frequently uses special effects glazes
Her Brazilian roots influence her exploration of contrasts

Iara Talledo Violani graduated from the University of Brighton with a BA (Hons) in 3D Design and Craft in 2023, with a specialisation in ceramic throwing. After finishing her studies, she worked at The Kiln Rooms. “I know very well how to throw my pieces, then I purposefully ruin them in a unique way to convey my many thoughts and feelings,” Iara says. She sees ceramic art as an attempt at putting a bit of colour and joy into the world. "This is why I make my objects vivid and vibrant," she explains. Special effect glazes and unique shapes come together to make an impression. One of Iara’s artistic trademarks is the piling-up of individually-thrown pieces and the deconstruction of fully finished objects to create sculptures suggesting chaos and collision.

Interview

©Clare Johnson

©Clare Johnson

When did you first think of picking up this craft?: At university, we were required to pick two materials to work with for our project. Between ceramics, metal, wood and polymers, I chose ceramics and wood. Something about clay’s malleability, and unfamiliarity at the time, was attractive to me.
In what way is your craft linked to the place where you live?: My current work is not linked to where I live, but to where my mother is from. The SESC Pompeia building in São Paulo, Brazil, is what first sparked the idea of working with chaos as an element in the ceramic process.
What are your sources of inspiration?: Despite being a geometric, brutalist building, SESC Pompeia has organically shaped windows. That touch of chaos and unpredictability in an otherwise predictable process was my foundation for this project. The vibrant and textural sounds of hyperpop were also part of my inspiration.
What was a special moment in your life as an artisan?: I feel really honored whenever a child is interested in or compliments my work. They are brutally honest. As a child, I did not particularly care to engage with other people’s art, as I was more concerned with creating my own. So I am happy when I am able to capture their attention with my work today.

Iara Talledo Violani is a rising star: she began her career in 2021 and she started teaching in 2023