Artist of the Week — Liliya Pobornikova • Public Republic

Artist of the Week — Liliya Pobornikova

January 19, 2009 by · 1,150 comments

Vanya Nikolaeva

We are surrounded by the elements every single day of our lives. But when do they start being something more than just gifts of nature? When and how do they commence being art?
Liliya Pobornikova is one of the people (literally) holding the answers.

She is one of those artists who is able to make the imagination concrete. In her hands a stone is no longer just a stone, but embodiment of beauty; blocks of ice become compellingly cozy; and sand no longer needs sea in order to be breathtaking.

Ice

Liliya graduated from the National Academy of Arts (specialty area: Wood sculpture). Her imaginative work has already obtained worldwide recognition. She has participated in a multitude of international symposia (Latin America, USA, Scandinavia, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Russia) and has had exhibitions in Bulgaria, Switzerland, and Hungary.

The Traemuseet in Denmark and the International Sculpture Museum in Brazil are proud owners of her sculptures. She won first prize from National Geographic magazine (2008), first prize at the International Snow Sculpture Contest in Italy (2006), second prize at the International Sand Sculpture Festival in Swiss (2005), and many other honors.

Liliya has designed and sculptured three rooms in the Ice hotel in Sweden. In the 2008/2009 season the room she created was called “Mush-Room,” which is a reference to Alice in Wonderland’s fairy-tale world.

Photo: rlaguna

Mush-room: Ice hotel Sweden

Which element is hardest to work with?

When you have to work with a new material is really hard. Often you do not know which are the proper tools. I remember that it was a pure strain even with ice and snow with lack of right tools and experience. Afterwards it becomes a pleasure. But honestly, stone is the element I prefer.

How long does it take for a stone sculpture to be finished?

The time I have at my disposal. When I participate in symposiums it is important to reckon with the time – which is between 3 and 5 weeks. Often I wish that I have more time to work on the details. And we are talking about monumental sizes.

Ice

In which projects would you like to participate?

I’d accept every challenge related to sculpture or travelling. I would probably consider something about the landscape of a part, full with sculptures; a more extensive project.

Wood

What is the source for your inspiration?

Nature – with no doubt, The living creature, the calm water… But Iguazu waterfalls is a place which should be seen by everyone. I fell in love with it.

Stone

When and where were your most interesting participations?

As a lover of nature and warm weather, beaches and warm people…- I know I am biased, but my most smiley memories are connected with Brazil and Argentina. And the most magical place is the Icehotel, especially the first meeting with it. It is breathtaking.

Sand

Metal

What is “challenge” to you?

Maybe to over jump yourself and your abilities in order to achieve something more than what you know for sure you can. Something different and more difficult. An example about me – I decided to apply for a contest of the National geographic magazine, Bulgaria.

Just like that, even for fun. I won first prize – the photo on the magazine cover of the December edition and various awards. Honestly, it is great when you accept a challenge and then you see that it was not a mistake.

Ceramics