Today we’d like to introduce you to Edva Sims.
Edva, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Growing up in South Africa, I was always intrigued by different cultures. My curiosity of the world grew, and when finishing my psychology degree, I decided to go traveling around the world. Since then, I’ve lived in five different countries – my experiences have taught me so much about the authentic imperfections we all have and carry with us. It’s those imperfections that we should celebrate because they make us unique and special. I currently live in Los Angeles, and I create every day in my studio. I fell in love with clay as a child. I was lucky enough to be inspired by the most special person- my mother. She was a ceramic artist and used to work in our home studio. I spent many days and nights just watching her process, and admiring the uniqueness of clay. I now primarily work in stoneware, and I fire my pieces around three times to get them just right. In addition to ceramics, I also love painting, fiber arts and photography.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
As an artist, I view clay as a gift from Mother Nature, as having endless possibilities to be molded and shaped into something beautiful. I feel an inner calling to create while telling a story with my hands. It’s the feeling of the wet mud between my fingers and the high fire heat of the kiln, that transforms my hand built pieces into uniquely imperfect works of art. It’s a true fusion of my creativity and Mother Earth.
One of the driving inspirations for my Ceramic Doll Collection is human culture and identity. From traditions and culture to dress code and style, each culture is unique. Throughout my travels, I have fallen in love with many textures and colors and humbly try to incorporate these into my Dolls. This collection is about embracing a women’s journey and highlighting their beauty and strength. My Dolls represent A truth. A pain. A love. But mostly, an imperfect uniqueness which makes us beautiful and special. I love to create and hope that you find this collection beautiful and inspiring.
Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
There is so much mayhem in the world right now, but if you look carefully, there is always beauty too. In every disagreeable event, there are always people coming together to light a candle to extinguish the dark. I think artists have a louder voice today than they ever had. Artists are able to unpack their emotional backpacks using their medium and create social change – that’s pretty powerful! As for me, I am for sure inspired by what is happening around me; it all spills out as soon as my hands touch the clay.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I’m super excited to be releasing my Art Doll Collection at the end of April this year. If you’d like to hear more or receive notifications on the release date and time, please sign up for my newsletter on my website.
www.instragram.com/edvasims
www.facebook.com/edvaspottery
www.edvaspottery.com
Contact Info:
- Website: edvaspottery.com
- Email: edva@edvaspottery.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/edvasims
- Facebook: facebook.com/edvaspottery
Image Credit:
Stephanie Smith
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