You mold the clay and it molds you: the story of the handmade ceramics brand KAPSI
She studied marketing, worked in a restaurant, and dreamed of owning her own coffee shop. But she found her true self in traditional Ukrainian craftsmanship. Polina Borzakova from Odesa has been making ceramics for only two years, but she already has a recognizable style, has created her own assortment and has attracted interest from connoisseurs of pottery not only in Ukraine but also abroad.
The story of Polina Borzakova, the founder of the handmade ceramics brand KAPSI, is about her love for applied art, the opportunity to promote authentic Ukrainian culture, and non-random accidents.
Polina Borzakova is from Kherson. And her KAPSI is from Odesa. Even before the outbreak of the full-scale war, the girl came here to study and then stayed in Odesa to live and work. Working in a restaurant, managing social media, doing hair and manicures, office routine, and even opening her own sock shop - all of this was busy work. But I wanted to have something that would be exciting, enjoyable, and useful to people at the same time.
The idea for the soul came from... Instagram
"Ceramics found me by itself," Polina laughs, "Two years ago I came across some advertising on Instagram. They were handmade cups. I began to study that page, and at the same time Instagram was throwing up new interesting things. And one day - wow! An advertisement for an Odesa workshop.
I started searching for video tutorials on YouTube, ordered my first clay (which, as it turned out later, I got soooo wrong), went to my first and only master class, filled in the gaps in my knowledge (of course, not all of them), and started sculpting tirelessly at home."
An accidental advertisement she saw sparked Polina's inspiration for ceramics and gave her the satisfaction of "kindred labor." Finally, she can create things that will be of practical use to people and bring them joy.
"I have been creating since childhood. Embroidery, sewing, knitting, props, felting, working with wood and metal - I've done everything. But in the end, I decided on ceramics. Why? Probably because I dreamed that my works would not lie in a table as simple decorative pieces, but would continue to live outside the studio, be used."
By the way, the professional experience she gained in previous years came in handy in her new business. At KAPSI, she is the founder, craftsman, and marketer. And her work in the restaurant industry has trained her eye for detail and developed her visual taste, which is exactly what a creator needs to make designer items.
Aesthetics is in sincerity
The peculiarity of Polina Borzakova's ceramics is its functionality, thoughtful naturalness and imperfectly smoothed texture. And also - creativity and sincerity. All the works are formed without a potter's wheel - only her hands and imagination work. The artist loves quirky characters, portraiture, Petrykivka painting, expressive details and bright colors - everything that helps Ukrainian traditions to manifest themselves in innovation. Although she admits that she hasn't perfected her own style yet, she continues to experiment.
The range of KAPSI ceramics is as diverse as Polina's work itself. Jewelry, straws, cups, plates, pots, glasses, organizers, vases, figurines - this list is constantly growing. This is also due to the wishes of people who ask her to make a unique item to order - for themselves or as a gift. Thus, exclusive KAPSI pots and plates have found their owners all over Ukraine and even in Lithuania, Italy and Spain.
Creativity is like faith in a peaceful future,
"When the full-scale invasion began, I couldn't pick up clay for more than six months," says Polina, "I was afraid that I would make something that would never see the light of day. I was confused and unsure about the future."
The peculiarity of Polina Borzakova's ceramics is its functionality, thoughtful naturalness and imperfectly smoothed texture. And also - creativity and sincerity. All the works are formed without a potter's wheel - only her hands and imagination work. The artist loves quirky characters, portraiture, Petrykivka painting, expressive details and bright colors - everything that helps Ukrainian traditions to manifest themselves in innovation. Although she admits that she hasn't perfected her own style yet, she continues to experiment.
However, the ceramist's first "war" work with her first proud signature on the "Made in Ukraine" day strengthened the girl's faith in a new tomorrow. The clay baby, modeled after Baby Yodik from Star Wars, decorated with bright Petrykivka painting and with the prophetic words "I see the future," "Peace," and "Ukraine," is still one of Polina's ceramic favorites.
Today, the founder of KAPSI is already dreaming of her own studio, where everyone could create, experiment, and improve their skills, where they could hold exhibitions and produce more dishes - enough for Ukrainian restaurants and for sale abroad.
...and crafts as a way to distinguish Ukrainian culture
"People in Ukraine realized craft and learned to appreciate it around the year 20. It may have happened earlier, but I didn't notice it at the time," recalls Polina. "I think it all started with coffee. Then the popularity spread to clothes of Ukrainian brands. And later it became fashionable to buy designer jewelry, handmade dishes, limited edition cosmetics, and other things filled not only with functionality but also with meaning. They are valued more and therefore cost more. And I'm happy to be a part of this big world of Ukrainian craft."
Polina enjoys creating quality items and bringing smiles and inspiration to Ukrainians through them. She is also glad to be able to show foreigners Ukrainian culture in her work or just the level of skill of people from her country. All of this is to prevent the mixing of Ukrainian authentic culture with any other culture in the future.
Writer: Iryna Shatalova
