Portfolio | Margaret Varlamova
Artist & Object Designer
Margaret Varlamova
Artist & Object Designer
Ceramics · Porcelain · Jewellery · Collectible Design
Objects between art and functionality
I am an artist and emerging object designer exploring the space between art and functionality. My practice focuses on ceramics, porcelain and jewellery, with a particular interest in sculptural forms, tactile surfaces and the expressive potential of materials
I believe an object can be unconventional and visually striking while remaining functional and fitting naturally into everyday life. My approach is based on balance: bold forms and textures are often paired with restrained colours, while detailed decoration is balanced by simpler silhouettes. I am especially drawn to material exploration and the way form can communicate an idea
My portfolio is intended for brands, manufacturers, independent studios and creative collaborators seeking distinctive concepts for objects and collections. It also introduces my authorial work in ceramics and jewellery to private clientsThrough my projects, I demonstrate how an initial idea develops into a considered object, combining artistic expression, material sensitivity and practical design
Design approach
Form. Material. Function.
Form as expression I see form as one of the main ways to communicate an idea. Sculptural silhouettes, unexpected details and organic shapes give an object its individual characterMaterial as a language I explore the contrast between materials, textures and surfaces. I am interested in how clay, porcelain and metal can transform one another when brought togetherBalance as a principle When form and texture become expressive, I prefer a restrained colour palette. When decoration becomes more detailed, I allow the silhouette to remain calm. This balance helps an object stand out without losing its visual integrityArt meets functionality I believe an object can be unconventional and visually striking while remaining useful, comfortable and suitable for everyday environments
My projects
Porcelain | Sharp Spring
Nature is often perceived as something delicate and fragile. Yet behind its beauty lies an untamed force — powerful, unpredictable and capable of defending itself
Sharp Spring is a collection of porcelain vases inspired by this duality. It explores the moment when spring awakens and nature reclaims its place in the world
The collection consists of two series: Rose Bloom draws inspiration from rose stems with their elegant yet sharp thorns.
Spring Branches explores the intricate shapes and intersections of spring branches, reflecting the power and dominance of nature
Through sculptural details, I wanted to reveal a different side of natural beauty — one that is not only delicate, but also strong and untamed
Making process | From natural forms to porcelain
The process began with creating master models and plaster moulds for the vase bodies. I then used these moulds for porcelain castingFor the Rose Bloom series, I sculpted five different thorn models in modelling clay and made separate plaster moulds for each of them. For Spring Branches, I took moulds directly from real branches that I had collectedOnce all the moulds were ready, I cast the porcelain elements and assembled the vases. After the first firing, each piece was carefully sanded by hand, glazed and fired again to achieve its final finishMaterial: Porcelain Techniques: Plaster mould-making, slip casting, hand finishing and glazing
Ceramics | Soft Armour
Soft Armour is a tactile exploration of wholeness and the coexistence of opposites
The collection brings together the soft, flowing plasticity of clay and the rigidity of metal. It reflects the complexity of human nature, where vulnerability exists alongside strength, and openness alongside the need for protectionI wanted to challenge the idea that softness must always be gentle and harmless. The spikes in this collection are not hidden imperfections — they become an essential part of the aesthetic
Each object explores a different form of protection: Some express individuality and quiet resilience. Others represent personal boundaries, accepted experiences or the protective mechanisms we develop throughout life
