Meet Stella Sulak: The Sculptor Creating a World of Emotions Through Clay
 
If you're an enthusiast of ceramics, sculpture, and deeply emotive art, you might just fall in love with the work of Stella Sulak. Hailing from France and now calling Australia home, Stella runs her business, Stella Sulak Sculpture, right from her small home studio.

 
Stella's initial passion was theatre, but when lockdowns took hold, she found a new medium to explore—clay. What began as a $9 online ceramics course on Domestika to keep her occupied, turned into an impassioned vocation. It wasn't long before Stella discovered the symbiotic relationship between her love for theatre and her newfound craft.
 
"We all are a ball of clay, shaped by our past and environment. What makes my heart beat is exploring, discovering, getting lost and starting over," says Stella.
 
And indeed, Stella applies these principles to her art, exploring themes like the relationship between living species, emotions, and the poetic shape they can take.

The Process: A Blend of Instinct and Skill
 
For Stella, the process is just as important as the finished piece. Each sculpture starts as a vague idea, allowing room for spontaneity. Stella solely relies on hand-building techniques, and her art evolves naturally, letting her hands and feelings take the lead.
 
Her nest series exemplifies her organic process. Each nest begins with a ball of clay, which she pinches and moulds into form. What follows is a detailed, intricate process of drying, firing, and polishing, all done with utmost care.
 
"How long does it take? No idea. An eternity and a blink of an eye," Stella muses.

Theatre and Ceramics: A Balanced Act
 
Although ceramics is a side project for her, Stella gives it the same importance as her main gig in theatre. She finds the side project status liberating as it grants her the freedom to create without the pressure of deadlines or external expectations.
 
Challenges and Aspirations
 
As a small business owner, Stella faces the challenge of creating visibility for her work, balancing creation with the necessities of promotion and social media. However, her future is brimming with possibilities; she aims to increase her knowledge of ceramics and continue her thematic exploration.

A Special Connection with the Market
 
Stella loves the community-focused aspect of markets, especially the opportunity to connect with an audience interested in art.
 
"The place where the market takes place and the great support from the team make it all the more special," she adds.

2023 Upmarket Art Fair
 

Events like these are more than just places to buy art; they are platforms that introduce us to artists like Stella, who pour their hearts into their crafts.
 
We're thrilled to have Stella Sulak as one of our esteemed exhibitors at the 2023 Upmarket Art Fair. Her unique blend of emotive and intricate sculptures will be on display, offering attendees an intimate look into her artistic journey and process. Don't miss the chance to experience Stella's captivating art and perhaps even take a piece home with you. Join us this Saturday the 14^th of October at UWA and immerse yourself in the incredible talent that our community has to offer.
 
Follow Stella's journey and explore her creations on her Instagram.