Two established Israeli ceramicists, both natives of Tel Aviv, who have similar styles, in that their art pieces exude much warmth and are highlighted with rich colours and an intrinsic creativity. Inna Olshansky’s sculpture figures display character and humor, while the ceramic art of Shamai Sam Gibsh favors a grounded, earthy appearance. They both operate their own studio/galleries.
Shamai Sam Gibsh
“I get inspiration from my environment and surroundings. Jaffa, a 10,000 years old port city, a part of Tel-Aviv in Israel – is very old and full of history with its colors and textures, unique architecture and multinational populace that has a big influence on me. My sculptural work has been inspired by the life in Israel, the political situation in Israel, as well as my recent travels to China and Korea.
Typically I burnish and cover with terra sigilata, at times I use copper and soluble salts (Metal chlorides like silver, gold, cobalt), and saggar fired inside clay vessels with organic materials, typically pine needles.”
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‘Looking Through #3’ – Shamai Sam Gibsh
‘Mungyeong Teabowl’ by Shamai Sam Gibsh
Saggar fired Terra sigillata Box – Shamai Sam Gibsh
2013
Soda Reduction Cup – Shamai Sam Gibsh
Footed and faceted soda reduction container – Shamai Sam Gibsh
Shamai Sam Gibsh – wood smoke fired urn
Tosic naked raku sculpture – Shamai Sam Gibsh
Smoke fired Tea Bowl – Shamai Sam Gibsh
Footed soda reduction bowl – Shamai Sam Gibsh
”Slices’ – Shamai Sam Gibsh
Naked Raku vessel – Shamai Sam Gibsh
Smoke fired ‘Bird on a steep slope’ – Shamai Sam Gibsh
Lidded raku vessel – Shamai Sam Gibsh
Ochre coloured urn, gold lid – Shamai Sam Gibsh
Raku cone with geometrical patterns – Shamai Sam Gibsh
‘Floating Disk’ – Shamai Sam Gibsh
Lidded raku container – -Ceramic-raku-fired-box
Round lidded vessel, landscape vista raku – Shamai Sam Gibsh
Lidded Urn — Shamai Sam Gibsh
‘Looking Through #2’ sculpture – Shamai Sam Gibsh
Terra Sigillata Iron Chloride Saggar
Raku baking reduction with Shamai Sam Gibsh
Raku lidded box – Shamai Sam Gibsh
Shamai Sam Gibsh footed raku bowl
Shamai Sam Gibsh
‘Bodyblaze’ – Shamai Gibsh solo exhibition at Periscope Gallery in Tel Aviv April 6th 2017
Ben Yehuda St 174, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Shamai Sam Gibsh – ‘Bodyblaze #10′
Shama Sam Gibsh – ‘Bodyblaze #10′
Shamai Sam Gibsh website
Inna Olshansky
“I was born in Russia and explored many different mediums and techniques prior to deciding to specialize in clay and oil painting. After obtaining a degree at Tashkent , I developed my own way of expression , while at the same time , continuing to demonstrate a broad free style . In 1993 I moved to Israel and opened “Inna Ol’shansky Art” , a gallery-boutique in Tel Aviv .
I work very intuitively. Starting with a raw idea or concept, I usually have only a vague, nebulous collection of ideas before I begin. As I set up the structure of the sculpture, the vision becomes more real and solid in my mind… the elements I want to use, the overall look of the form… the attitude of the head, the expression and shape of the face all start to become more solid in my imagination. Once one part of the design is confirmed, this leads to the next element followed by the next. Until I get my hands on the clay, I am never sure exactly what the end result will be. My way of working is to be guided by my instincts and to let the flow of ideas take me where they will. The evolution of ideas, shapes, forms, technical challenges, and design elements constantly circulate through my mind until connections start to be made and the art comes through.”
Inna Olshansky ceramic cats
Bronze ram sculpture – Inna Olshansky
Inna Olshansky
‘Creature #1’ — Inna Olshansky
Inna Olshansky
Inna Olshansky
Inna Olshansky
Inna Olshansky
Inna Olshansky
Inna Olshansky
Inna Olshansky smiling cow sculpture
Female ceramic bust – Inna Olshansky
Red and white jester – Inna Olshansky
Ceramic face vase – Inna Olshansky
Ceramic wall mask – Inna Olshansky
Inna Olshansky
Ceramic horse – Inna Olshansky
Quad footed ceramic bottle – floral decoration – Inna Olshansky
Inna Olshansky
Abstract polychrome ‘Nude Female Torso #1’ – Inna Olshansky
Inna Olshansky website→
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