How Ceramic Artist Serhii Martynko Develops Functional Clay Products for Everyday Use

Ceramic artist Serhii Martynko has built his practice around the idea that handmade ceramics should be lived with, not merely displayed. His work explores how traditional techniques, material discipline, and everyday routines intersect, resulting in clay products that are both functional and culturally grounded.

Trained in Ukraine and shaped by years of hands-on experience, Martynko developed a restrained approach to form and surface. His ceramics avoid excess decoration, instead focusing on balance, texture, and long-term usability. This philosophy continues to guide his work today through his independent brand, ClayProductsShop.

From Observation to Object: How New Forms Are Created

Martynko’s process begins with observation rather than trends or market positioning. He studies how people serve food, how plates are carried, and how ceramics age with repeated use. These everyday interactions inform the development of new clay products, ensuring that each piece remains practical over time.

This methodology is particularly visible in his work with the large ceramic plate. Creating a plate at this scale requires careful consideration of weight, proportion, and stability. The plate must be large enough to support shared meals, yet balanced enough to remain comfortable in daily use.

Each piece reflects subtle differences created during shaping and firing, reinforcing the individuality that defines handmade clay products.

Traditional Techniques and Natural Surfaces

A defining element of Martynko’s work is his use of milk-firing, an ancient ceramic technique that produces natural surface patterns without chemical glazes. This method ensures that all clay products remain fully food-safe and environmentally responsible.

Rather than masking imperfections, Martynko allows firing marks and tonal variations to remain visible. These details serve as a record of the process, connecting contemporary tableware to historical ceramic traditions.

Ceramics as Part of Daily Life

Martynko avoids framing his work as decorative or luxury objects. His plates, bowls, and serving pieces are intended for repeated use, becoming part of everyday routines. Several restaurants and private kitchens in the United States and Europe incorporate his clay products into regular service, valuing their durability and understated presence.

The large ceramic plate, in particular, reflects this philosophy. Its form supports both casual meals and shared gatherings without drawing attention away from the food itself. In this context, design functions as a quiet support rather than a focal point.

Continuing the Craft Across Borders

While developing new collections in the United States, Martynko continues shipping pre-war ceramic stock from Ukraine. He is also planning to open a pottery studio and educational space where traditional techniques can be passed on to new generations.

Through disciplined craftsmanship and material awareness, Serhii Martynko continues to demonstrate that clay products can remain relevant through use rather than promotion. His work highlights how tradition, function, and personal experience continue to shape contemporary ceramics.