Dear Cast Ceramics Committee,

I was very interested to hear about the opportunity to participate in your ceramic residency. I am a Ukrainian artist and designer who has been living and working for 12 years in Italy, near Verona, and I feel a deep connection to ceramics as a material that unites art, design and philosophy, and I am convinced that your program is a perfect fit for my creative aspirations and current research.

My education in design in Ukraine and at the Academy of Fine Arts in Italy has shaped my multidisciplinary approach to creativity. Ceramics became the starting point of my professional journey during my thesis, "Nature: The Best Designer in the Universe," where I explored natural forms and their embodiment in ceramics.

Over years of practice, I have created a wide range of works, from unique art objects to interior decor items, exhibited in Italy, France, and Switzerland. I am particularly drawn to functional art, where craftsmanship and uniqueness combine with practical application. For me, ceramics is not just about creating aesthetically pleasing things, but also about prototyping design ideas for potential mass production.

One of my latest projects, Sensus, is a deep exploration of the archaic symbols of the Trypillian culture, which I interpret in tactile wall panels, experimenting with ecological materials and single firing with raw earth and beeswax finishes. I am also interested in developing ecological alternatives to glaze to reduce energy consumption.

It is the Sensus project that I would like to further develop during the residency at CastCeramics. I am inspired by the idea of juxtaposing Trypillian symbols with archaic motifs from other cultures and embodying them in ceramic works using the possibilities of 3D printing.

I have experience working with 3D programs and visualize my ceramic models digitally for interior presentations. Currently, I am studying 3D scanning technologies for ceramics to integrate my work into various design projects.

The Cast Ceramics residency is particularly interesting to me as its focus aligns with my current research and creative pursuits. I believe in the power of collaboration and have successful experience in joint exhibitions and projects with other artists. I am confident that the exchange of experience always stimulates the development of new ideas.

During the residency, I aim to deepen my knowledge of the possibilities of 3D printing in ceramics and master the relevant software. I hope not only to acquire new skills for developing my collections but also to find new partners and friends in the creative community.

Thank you sincerely for your time and consideration of my application. I eagerly await the opportunity to join your residency.

Sincerely,

Anna Manako