Serhiy studied ceramics at the Kosiv Institute of Applied Arts LNAM, specifically, the traditional form characterized by yellow, green and brown colors finished with a milky glaze.  These three colors with a slight admixture of blue have long been used to illustrate floral motifs, scenes from Hutsul life and even mountain mythology.  

Take a look at a traditional Kosiv tile stove where each unique tile is a scene in a fascinating folktale. Looking at such an oven, it seems like you study a fascinating read, something in between a folk tale and a fictional story, where each tile, like a separate chapter, complements the other. In 2019, UNESCO included Kosiv ceramics on its list of world Intangible Cultural Heritage which has significantly increased interest among culture aficionados. 

Ceramic production and firing are scientific processes tied to chemistry.  Serhiy learned this when he started improving his production to be more practical for everyday use, for example, resistant to higher temperatures, less brittle, dishwasher and oven safe. 

Serhiy’s ceramics are distinguished by the high-quality smoky glazing which is accomplished by the addition of wood to the kiln in the final stages.  The kiln is tightly sealed, sometimes covered with sand, to prevent air from getting in. 

Learn more of the master’s secrets. For example, red clay is high in iron oxide and is actually magnetic. Fired white clay resonates with a deep loud sound, says the master, while red sounds a bit dull.