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Yuliya Makliuk | Episode 1001
Yuliya Makliuk is a ceramic artist, activist, and author driven by a passion for addressing the pressing challenges of our time: environmental crises, social injustice, and war through her practice. Yuliya is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of ceramic tradition, actively exploring sustainable approaches and innovative techniques, working from her studio Here & Now Pottery in Irpin, Ukraine.
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Can potters really make that big of a difference for the planet?
Good question, Paul. Yes, I believe we can. I think our most crucial role in sustainable development and stopping climate crisis is to be pioneers and examples of sustainable, ecofriendly businesses and art. Inspiring others. Showing the way. Really sticking to it and showing that it is possible, that it is needed, that the green revolution is actually going on already.
Where could we start with our clay which is the foundation of our work?
So there are many steps that are free so you don’t need lots of investments, that are easy and will bring a lot of environmental benefit. The first is use as much local materials as possible. So whether it’s clay, minerals, pigments, fuel, whatever you can get in your city, your district or country, try to stick to that. Step number two: Efficient firing. Not all of us can choose green fuel or change our whole aesthetics and practice but what we can do is perform quality control before stocking the kiln. Do you really need to put that imperfect pot into the kiln? Maybe not. Save that space. Also in packaging. Use paper products and reuse materials as much as possible.
Would you recommend reusing plastic we receive in the packaging that comes to us? To give it a longer lifespan?
Absolutely. The more we reuse the better. I also get all this kind of plastic film with my supplies unfortunately and I try to reuse it as long as possible. I do have some of the boxes and bubble wrap that have been around the world several times already. I send them to someone, they return them to me and then I send them to someone else.
Give me your number one advice for reducing the carbon footprint for an electric kiln.
Well first of all, adopt a single firing routine. That would be the case for any firing. Second of all, shorten your firing schedule. Any preheats, eliminate them. Speed up any slow heating up, check if you need that long hold at the end. That would need a little bit of testing but it really, really helps. And it also saves with money.
What would be your number one suggestion for wood firing?
Use waste fuel. So any fallen branches, any scraps, any off cuts of wood. Often time you can get them for free.
Do you have any advice for people who are firing with gas?
Not much. Because unfortunately I don’t have that experience yet, so that is something to explore.
I’m curious, are there any alternative fuel sources that you feel are an interesting idea and you would like to see it explored more?
Well, one option that has been used is this waste vegetable oil, which we already mentioned. So I have a case study in the book from a local potter , Jesse, who uses a lot of oil in his wood firing. It substitutes a portion of the wood and it also produces some really, really nice visual affects on pottery. And you can get the oil for free and it’s a renewable resource because its’ made of plants. It’s an interesting option to explore.
You are living in a country that is at war. I mean you had enough hope to write a book and about how to save the planet. How do you maintain hope?
What are other options? I mean there isn’t much choice. I mean, we have to maintain hope. Otherwise it’s over. If we do believe in victory, if we do believe in our country and international allies than everything is possible. Then this is possible. If we just give up it’s over for us. Hope is not a choice, hope is a weapon and a means of survival. This and support and gratefulness for other people around me. Because as I said, I am super lucky and privileged, I don’t have it as bad as other peoples. And when I see people helping others around me it fills me with warmth and gratitude and hope as well. And I look up to those people and all the wonderful things that they are doing.
Books
Potters Save the World by Yuliya Makliuk
Circular Ceramics by Sarah Howard
Contact
Etsy: @hereandnowpottery
Instagram: @hereandnowpottery