Written by Adeline J. Wells
Elwira Miezal knows how the simple act of listening to one’s intuition can have long-term, life-altering effects. Having begun working as a high fashion stylist twenty years ago, her career has evolved to enter the realms of product, wardrobe, and set design in Hollywood. Leaning into an internal calling to try something different, she began exploring the world of sculpture arts six years ago. Now a successful artist crafting organic, fluid pieces inspired by nature, she strives to create ceramics that not only spark joy, but calls others to explore what lies within their beings as well.
How did you initially begin working with ceramics?
My working with ceramics was actually very unexpected. I always had a big appreciation for ceramic work, and would purchase them whenever I traveled, but I never thought that I would create myself. Then one morning, I woke up when it was very early, still dark outside. As I was laying in my bed, I just heard this voice, out of the blue, say, “sign up for a ceramics class.” I went straight to my computer and found a studio close to my home in Pasadena. I called as soon as they opened; the lady said that they only had one spot left, and asked if I would like to take it. That is how my journey began, and I am still a member of that same studio; it is where I practice and build my work. Looking at it with the perspective I have now, it is clear that ceramics were a soul calling for me; the rest just unfolded from my hands.
In addition to working as a ceramist, you also work as a Hollywood set designer. How has your experience in that world influenced your art?
I have a huge appreciation for film and photography; both of these mediums resonate very deeply with me. I truly enjoy beautiful photography, framework, and films. Once I began making my ceramics, I viewed each work as being an invitation for me to make visual art about the specific pieces. When you look at my account on social media, I quite often photograph my pieces outdoors, as they are often inspired by nature. Sometimes I photograph myself, or sometimes just my ceramics. I view my experience in the film and photography industry as having merged with my ceramics as I have grown as an artist.
How do you approach design when it comes to your ceramics, both aesthetically and elementally?
Most of the time when I begin creating, I never know what I will be making. When I first come to my studio, I take a piece of clay and I just sit with it for a little bit. I always say to this body of soil, “tell me where you want to be”. Sometimes I craft pieces that are very large, sometimes very small; however, I never have an intention when I come to the studio. Each piece is born from intuition in the moment. I often find inspiration from architecture, but most of the time I get my vision from nature, made by mixing clays of different colors and textures.
Many of your pieces are made to be an appreciation for the human body. What about the human form inspires you?
I started working with ceramics during a very challenging time of my life. While these stressful events were happening, I began to look deeply within myself for the first time, asking what it truly means to be a human being, and exploring all that is beyond the body. My ceramics came out as a form inspired by the human shape, but if you truly look at my pieces, there is also the soul. As I was going through this process of discovery, I was building ceramics and exploring my soul through building body shape forms.
What is your philosophy when it comes to your art?
I create so people can enjoy my pieces; I have no attachment to whatever I make, as I do so for others. I love to see when my art goes out to the world and brings joy to someone’s life. My philosophy is to truly be free and explore the possibilities that each day brings; this is something that we must explore ourselves, deep inside. I recognize that in order to create something that comes from within, we need to be extremely present. When I look at my sculptures or my vases, I can tell which pieces truly came from being present in the moment, when I was aware of every single move as I was crafting them. The process of creating is simply beautiful in itself. It is never knowing unfoldment; this is what excites me, that I never know what's going to be next. Creation is an invitation for living a full life.
