Dārta Berkmane

Dārta Berkmane – I was born in 1997. Art has been in my life since childhood, but I started learning it professionally at the Riga Design and Art School, where I graduated from the department of ceramic products design. This school was also where I got to know the ceramic material and its many possibilities. I have completed the bachelor’s (2021) and master’s (2023) programs in ceramics of the Art Academy of Latvia. I create my ceramic works mostly guided by my feelings, which determine the shape and colour of the work. I believe that when working in ceramic material, the artist is able to get rid of negative emotions and improve his well-being. Characteristic for me is to use in my ceramic artworks spikes, which I use on my works not only as a decorative element, but also as a symbolic protection system. My favourite ceramic material is stoneware, from which most of my ceramic works are made. During my studies at the Art Academy of Latvia I got to know bourry box type wood kiln and black kiln and I believe that works burned in a wood kiln have a completely different, more special value.