Velika Prahova
- Country
- Bulgaria
Velika Prahova is a contemporary artist working mainly in the field of visual arts. In her projects, she explores the relationship between people and nature, using natural materials and organic forms. She creates sculptures from straw and ceramics made from wild clay. Her works are characterized by minimalism, often turning natural spaces into places for contemplation and personal dialogue with the environment.
I work with natural materials, creating sculptures from straw and ceramics made from wild clay. My practice is connected to land art and explores the relationship between people and nature. I began working this way out of a desire to create directly with materials found in the landscape. Over time, gathering clay from the earth and building forms from straw became a central part of my artistic process. I have been working with these materials for several years. My favourite technique is hand-building with wild clay, allowing the material to guide the form and keeping the process simple and intuitive. I am also deeply interested in wood-firing ceramics.
Artworks
“Woman Without a Pedestal” is a small ceramic sculpture of a seated figure. The work is meant to be positioned freely in different spaces rather than on a traditional pedestal. In each new environment the figure finds a unique and temporary place, becoming part of the surrounding space and moment.
The Falling Man is a straw sculpture depicting a human figure suspended between balance and collapse. Set against the wild coastal landscape, the fragile body of straw contrasts with the strength of the wind and sea. The work reflects vulnerability, surrender, and the quiet moment when a person lets go and becomes part of nature’s movement.
This sculptural composition in Dospat commemorates Despot Alexius Slav. The three vertical forms symbolize spearheads and evoke the strength and warrior spirit of the medieval ruler. Originally shaped from straw and later cast in aluminum, the sculptures combine natural inspiration with durable material, creating a contemporary monument that connects history, landscape, and memory.
These ceramic works are made from different wild clays and fired with wood. Ancient approaches to working with clay open a field for endless experimentation and learning. Exploring the qualities of natural clay and the unpredictable results of wood firing is a direction in my practice that deeply inspires me and continues to shape my artistic research.