From Earth to Intention
There’s a calm beauty in working with clay, a meditative rhythm that asks us to slow down, to feel, to honour what’s beneath our feet. At Here & Now Pottery, this act becomes sacred. Each vessel, cup, or plate is not only crafted by hand, but with heart and responsibility.
Nestled on the peaceful edge of Irpin, Ukraine, this small but mighty studio offers more than pottery, it offers an invitation. To reconnect with nature, to embrace slowness, and to create meaning in the everyday.
Their mantra? “Handmade, with intention.” And it lives in every soft curve and fired glaze.
Where It All Began: Clay Meets Care
Before she ever touched a potter’s wheel, Yuliya Makliuk was shaping change as an environmentalist. With a background in ecological studies, her days were filled with data, policies, and a growing desire for something more tangible. Something rooted.
In 2015, a community pottery class changed everything.
What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into a calling. By 2019, she founded Here & Now Pottery, a studio where sustainability and craft are inseparable. Whether writing about eco-conscious practices or experimenting with wild clay, Yuliya’s work is a testament to the power of thoughtful creation.
“I wanted to create not just ceramics, but a better way to make ceramics,” Yuliya explains.
And she did. Her journey led to the development of the Clean Green Ceramics certification, collaborations with eco-conscious artists, and even a place in the Homo Faber Guide for contemporary craftsmanship.
The Craft That Cares
Every Here & Now piece is steeped in intention.
Materials: Wild clay foraged locally, recycled studio waste, zero-waste glazing.
Techniques: Hand-building and wheel-thrown forms, made in a single firing to conserve energy.
Aesthetic: Earthy, minimal, wabi-sabi inspired. Form meets function with a soft, grounded elegance.
Philosophy: Low-impact processes that honour both the planet and the people who use the work.
From tea bowls to travel mugs, her ceramics aren’t just beautiful, they’re built for everyday rituals that nourish and connect.
A Legacy Rooted in Ukraine
Clay runs deep in Ukrainian culture. Yuliya honours this connection by blending ancestral knowledge with modern ecological principles. Her studio draws inspiration from generations of folk potters who respected the land and believed in craft as community.
By publishing guides like Sustainable Pottery, and advocating for change across the global ceramics industry, she breathes new life into a centuries-old tradition. The result? A practice that is both timeless and radically forward-thinking.
Step Inside the Studio
At the edge of a forest, in a small light-filled workshop, the magic happens.
Visitors to Here & Now often describe the space as calm, grounding—almost spiritual. But it’s also alive with energy: workshops in sustainable pottery, knowledge-sharing circles, collaborations with her sister Helen, and support for local creatives. Through it all, the heart remains steady: make thoughtfully, give generously, live presently.
Whether you’re holding one of her mugs or joining a Patreon discussion, the experience is always honest, welcoming, and rooted in care.
Get Involved
Shop the Collection: Discover her full range on Etsy or Amazon—from sculptural vases to eco-friendly tableware.
Read & Learn: Download her books like Potters Save the World, and explore the Sustainable Pottery guide to start your own low-waste journey.
Watch & Join: Dive into her YouTube community, join her Patreon community, or follow along on Instagram.
Why It Matters
In a world of fast fashion and faster living, Yuliya reminds us that every cup of tea can be a ritual, every dish a story. Choosing handmade is a quiet act of rebellion against waste—and a powerful vote for the kind of world we want to live in.
Her ceramics are more than objects. They’re vessels of change. Clay, after all, holds memory. And in Yuliya’s hands, it holds hope.
In Yuliya’s Words
“Even small ceramic acts can build a more sustainable world—sampling wild clay, reducing waste, and spreading awareness through beauty.”
Spotlight curated by The Aartisian
Celebrating the world’s handmade talent, one story at a time. 🌍✨
#HereAndNowPottery #SustainableCeramics #TheAartisian #HandmadeMatters
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