My Story

As a child growing up in Zimbabwe, Marina was drawn to clay. With the warm sun shining down, she would be in the backyard, covered in mud from playing with her pet warthogs. That's where she started creating stories for them and then bringing those stories to life by sculpting them out of the clay she dug up.

Marina studied Graphic Design and Advertising in Johannesburg South Africa. After graduating she immigrated to the United States to work in the early 2000’s. She has lived in Arizona, Boston, and Chicago – working at agencies, before settling in Grand Rapids Michigan where she met and married her husband. Her career crafting stories for products and brands spanned 25 years.

Later in life, Marina found her way back to clay as a hobby, when she joined Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago, and subsequently, Grand Rapids Pottery where she honed her wheel-throwing skills. 

Today, Marina is a self-taught figurative sculptor by profession. Her journey is one of constant discovery through experimentation and observation. Instilling personalities into clay, her figurines are crafted with backstories that capture the essence of everyday people... with a twist. Each piece is a silent storyteller, whispering tales of unexpected passions, quirky misfortunes, and the strangely beautiful mishaps and magic of ordinary lives. She also addresses societal and cultural themes through subtle symbolism and poignant expressions in her work, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities and nuances of the human condition. Beyond figurative works, Marina creates sculptural vessels that are inspired by the textures and patterns of both human and natural design.

Marina’s unique vision and raw creativity are reflected in deeply personal pieces that are a testament to her distinct artistic spirit.