About me
Oly Miltys (1973). Sculptor. Ceramicist. Europe. Serbia.
My sculptures are a multi-layered system of images, where contrasts and paradoxes collide. They range from gentle and naive to provocative and severe. Each piece, like a living organism, embodies its own emotional dimension, revealing a unique character and inner drama. These works seem crafted to invite viewers into an intimate dialogue, sparking questions and introspection.
I deeply believe that human nature is full of contradictions and complexity. Our true purpose is to explore our potential and seek tools for self-discovery. In this sense, my creative journey is a testament to growth through an intuitive process. I've devoted the past ten years to ceramics, but my path is unconventional—I am self-taught, without formal training in this field. My work reflects an honest and profound exploration of form and texture, evolving into a metaphorical laboratory of emotions and meanings.
Each sculpture is more than an object; it’s part of a larger artistic universe where ideas materialize through clay. These artistic artifacts become conduits, guiding the viewer toward their own emotions and moments of personal truth.
The Desire to Create
Until recently, I had no idea how such things were made. I’ve always had a desire to create, but for most of my life, I worked a regular job, took care of my children, and rarely thought about art. At some point, though, I realized this wasn’t the life I wanted; I longed for something more. I wanted to create!
For me, it’s important to try, even in some small way, to make the world a better place, to express what I feel and see. I began experimenting with sculpture, trying various materials, but none of them felt quite right. Then I discovered clay and the magic of firing.
The colors, the pliability of the clay, the process itself, and the complexity of the technique captivated me. I realized that ceramics were exactly what I had been looking for!
My Own Studio
A strong desire to create led me to establish my own studio and embark on a journey to find the perfect material to express myself. I believe that ceramics is that very material, capable of conveying both the fragility and significance of human life.
I find inspiration in challenging tasks and in the beauty that my beloved clay can reveal! I enjoy creating works in series—they tell a story and complement each other. I strive for meticulous attention to detail, as it helps to bring character and emotion to each piece.
Capturing a specific mood makes my sculptures incredibly vibrant and unique. Human beings and their archetypes are the main characters of my sculptural narratives. Even animal figures possess an unseen human presence, each telling its own story.
Development
In 2016, I began teaching myself to work with ceramics. I didn’t have the resources to buy a quality kiln, so I started out using a small, simple one. At first, I focused on refining my firing techniques and spent a lot of time making pottery and sculpting small figures and vessels. After two years, I was successfully selling my smaller pieces, and my husband and I decided to join forces so I could continue learning, create larger sculptures, and grow as a sculptor. We rented a studio space and bought a larger kiln. My husband took on the marketing, and I dedicated myself fully to creating my sculptures.
The Key is Self-Exploration
Since 2020, I have been working with figurative ceramics, creating purely artistic works. My sculptures have been well received, and I continue to grow, pushing myself to create more complex pieces.
I believe that the most important thing is to explore oneself and the world around us through the lens of creativity. I am constantly learning, mastering new techniques and firing methods. Over the past two years, I’ve developed my own unique approach to sculpting and glazing.
You Can Always Achieve More
Yes, I don’t have a formal art education, but my journey is proof that you can change everything at any point in life—you just have to want it! Of course, I had to work incredibly hard to reach my current level of skill in ceramics. But it’s worth it! Now, I’m invited to renowned exhibitions, and my works are collected by art enthusiasts.
If you feel the need for change, start with yourself and your life, and I’m certain you’ll achieve far more than you ever imagined at the beginning of your journey!