Deák Zsuzsa Ceramics

      My art is centred around Japanese and African art. Simplicity is the quality which we can find in both of the cultures. I love the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic, which is an intuitive way of finding beauty in imperfection and  profoundity in nature.

     Wabi stems from the root “wa”, which refers to harmony, peace, tranquility and balance. It means simple, unmaterialistic and in tune with nature. Wabi is the kind of perfect beauty that is caused by just the right kind of imperfection, such as an asymmetry in a ceramic bowl which reflects the handmade craftsmanship, as opposed to another bowl which is perfect, but soul-less, machine-made. Wabi thus, connotes rustic  simplicity and quietude. It includes both that which is made by nature, and that which is made by man. It can also mean an accidental or happenstance element which gives elegance and uniqueness to the whole. 

        In my works the simplicity is more accentuated in the forms. I love  shaping  the figures manually, leaving a more rustic, imperfect feeling, which adds uniqueness and personality. In turn, I like to play more with the glazing part. I paint forms and lines sometimes inspired from African art-, which are still simple, but not as simple like the colors and textures made in wabi-sabi spirit.

        I accentuate parts of my work with urushi, which is a Japanese lacquer. Urushi is not only a durable varnish but is also one of the strongest adhesives while it is wet, which makes it perfect for decorating with brass powder.

        Like Japanese art, the African art is also heavily influenced by nature and spirituality. It is deeply rooted in the magic of animistic religious rites. Carved wooden figures and masks often represent the homes of the gods who rule the tribesmen. In some cases, the spirit or supernatural being depicted is viewed with rejoicing and almost a familiarity, which leads to gaiety that has a cathartic aspect, a purification. From here rootes the names of some of my works.

       In the long run, the Japanese wabi-sabi and the African art, tempered together with all their spiritual meanings, their worldview and their aesthetic, combined with a personal touch make up my art.