My Story
For 25 years, my career was defined by crafting compelling narratives for products and brands, but my professional life eventually led me full circle, back to the art of clay—my true passion. My journey with clay began in my childhood in Zimbabwe. I spent countless hours in the sun-drenched backyard, my hands happily covered in mud from playing with my pet warthogs. I loved the feel of the earth and quickly discovered I could shape it into anything I imagined, from animals to people. Often, I would gather my friends and turn my backyard into a makeshift clay studio.
Today, I am a self-taught figurative sculptor whose work is born from constant discovery, sharp observation, and a deep fascination with people. My camera is always ready to capture interesting faces—the very portraits that inspire my characters and their imagined backstories. Each of my pieces becomes a silent storyteller, whispering tales of quirky misfortunes, unexpected fixations, and the strangely beautiful magic and messiness we all experience.
Artist Statement
Marina is a figurative sculptor with a keen eye for the human form's idiosyncrasies. In Heads of Tales, she deliberately exaggerates both the physical features and the imagined inner lives of her subjects, turning off-the-cuff stories she encounters daily—whether at thegrocery store, in tabloids, or through friends—into tangible portraits. These works, which often revolve around a character's vocation,celebrate the unique anxieties, dreams, and triumphs that shapetheir worlds.
Marina's artistic vision extends to her tactile use of her medium.She sculpts with a variety of clay bodies—from fine white porcelain to groggy clays with rich earthtones—each chosen to enhance the unique qualities of a portrait. Her surface finishes are the result of extensive experimentation with color; she applies layers of kiln-fired glazes, pigmented inks, matte acrylics, and waxes through painting,sponging, and spraying. This layered approach provides depth andenhances the mood, personality, and emotional core of each piece.Marina's sculptures blend technical skill with raw creativity, inviting viewers to ponder unseen narratives. Her work is a testament toboth her unique artistic spirit and the rich and multifaceted natureof the subjective human experience.
“My goal with these works is to show that we are not so different after all.Even in our most peculiar traits, we can find common ground and a deeperunderstanding of ourselves and others. I hope to inspire you to find theextraordinary in the seemingly ordinary stories of your own life.”