Jana Grgasović

Ceramicist

©Petar Cvahte

An architecture of feelings and thoughts

Jana's ceramic creations are supported by her background in architecture
She exhibits her works in Croatia and internationally
She was awarded at The Story of Dvorihtnik international exhibition in 2023

Jana Grgasović fell in love with ceramics as a child, while exploring various pottery techniques in her family's art studio. It was years later, after earning a master’s degree in architecture, that she embraced her passion for ceramics and committed to it. "Today, I combine my academic background with my love for clay to create ceramic sculptures that I think of as an architecture of feelings and thoughts," Jana says. In 2023, she won a prize at the international exhibition in Slovenia called The Story of Dvorihtnik for one of her sculptures. Jana is also a member of the Croatian Association of Artists of Applied Arts, Croatian Chamber of Architects, and of the Ceramics Artists and Pottery Makers Association in Slovenia.

Interview

©Petar Cvahte

©Petar Cvahte

Why did you choose to work with ceramics?: Clay allows me to express myself freely and shape my imagination into lasting 3D forms. I love the direct connection between thought, hand and material. It is an intuitive process that brings my inner world to life.
What emotions do you want your work to evoke in people?: I want my work to bring a smile, awaken curiosity and spark a sense of hope. My goal is to reach something raw and deeply human in each viewer – something tender, intuitive and emotional that connects us beyond words, through form and feeling.
What does recognition mean to you?: Awards represent the acknowledgement of all the thought, energy and dedication I put into my work and affirm that what I do has broader meaning. They also motivate me to keep exploring and growing as an artist.
How did your last solo exhibition come to life?: My exhibition, What Does a Ceramic Kiln Dream About, explores forms, styles and techniques in sculpture. By showcasing my work, I gained a clearer understanding of the world I am creating as a ceramicist. The kiln became a metaphor for endless possibilities.

Jana Grgasović is a rising star: she began her career in 2020