A Bit About Me
My name is Lana Pastirk. I am a sculptor and ceramic artist who creates unique, sculptural, and experimental works in clay. Each piece is thoughtfully shaped in my studio—sometimes in quiet solitude, other times in dialogue with fellow artists.
"Moment when I open the kiln for the last time, revealing the finished works inside, is as exciting and unexpected as opening a gift. My weeks-long efforts of modeling, smoothing, sanding, and glazing are also left to the unpredictability caused by the reactions of materials during firing at high temperatures. In my work, I plan, anticipate, and experiment. I seek new ways of working, new shapes, textures, and colors."
I am a designer of artistic ceramics. I encountered clay early on, but it took a long time to understand the breadth the material offers, which continues to surprise and delight me every day.
My professional focus on ceramics was guided by my discoveries of the material, which I received under the mentorship of Assoc. Prof. Kristina Rutar during my Master’s studies in Glass and Ceramics, which I completed with honors (summa cum laude) at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Ljubljana.
During my studies, I further honed my skills at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, at the International Symposium of Artistic Ceramics in V-oglje, and participated in a residency at the Layer House in Kranj. I have showcased my work in group and solo exhibitions. My work "New Birds" became part of the UL ALUO collection in 2023. I live and create in Maribor, where I am also a member of the DLUM association.
Ceramics allow me to express artistically and incorporate design principles into artistic-functional projects. I focus on creating sculpturally designed ceramic products that combine aesthetics with functionality, creating usable art for everyday use. I strive to ensure that each of my works carries a concept and meaning. My creations encompass:Artistically functional items for everyday use based on artistic expression and concepts,
- Custom-made sculptural works suitable as individual art pieces as well as award statuettes,
- Custom-made sets of functional items such as trays, plates, and bowls,
- Workshops on artistic and functional ceramics, sculpture, and educational programs that enable the exploration and development of the artistic potential of each individual.
Exhibitions
April 2021, Πr kvadrat, Exhibition of Contemporary Kinetic Ceramics, Layer House, Kranj
June 2021, ALUO 2021: Virtual Graduation Exhibition of Student Works, Ljubljana
September 2021, Exhibition of Artistic Works from the 16th International Symposium of Artistic Ceramics V-oglje 2021, Šenčur Municipal Museum
September 2021, Ex Terra Krško, Exhibition of Ceramic Sculptures Kič, Mencinger House, Krško
February 2022: GSP.GDA 2022: Graduation Exhibition of Student Works, Gdansk, Poland
June 2022, ALUO 2022: Graduation Exhibition of Student Works, Ljubljana
April 2023, Traces of Presence, Alkatraz Gallery, Ljubljana
April 2023, raz:kroj, Exhibition of Students and Alumni of Unique Design UL ALUO, UL PEF Gallery, Ljubljana
April 2023, Πr kvadrat, Exhibition of Contemporary Kinetic Ceramics, Layer House, Kranj
May 2023, International Ceramics Triennial UNICUM, Student Section, Ljubljana
Awarded Primavera certificate: prize includes a solo joint exhibition: June 2023, Invited Youth, Media Nox Gallery, Maribor
Received honorary recognition: October 2023, Form of Silence, 9th International Exhibition of Ceramic Sculptures Ex Terra Krško
November 2023, We are in November exhibition, Faculty of Arts
November 2023, Solo exhibition Captivity at Mahlerca Gallery and Janez Puhar Gallery, following a one-week artistic residency at Layer House, Kranj
December 2023, Unpredictable Symbioses exhibition, DLUM Gallery, Maribor
December 2023, Solo exhibition Captivity at Sodni Stolp Gallery, Maribor
June 2024, Solo exhibition at the Psychotherapeutic and Psychodiagnostic Center Maribor
July 2024, Primavera 2023 Award Winners Exhibition at the DLUM Gallery, Maribor
May 2025, Majski salon 2025, ZDSLU, Ptuj
June 2025, Solo exhibition at DLUM Gallery, Maribor
