Established by acclaimed potters Irina Razumovskaya and Inés Suarez de Puga, Decima Clay Studio was set up to bring a creative, intimate space to the heart of central London; with their studio based only a 10 minute walk from London Bridge and Borough station. With a cumulative range of over 15 years of experience, Irina and Inés are experienced in their craft, with both of them graduating with MA's in Ceramics and Glass from the Royal College of Art London.
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Originally hailing from Leningrad, USSR, Irina is internationally recognised for her ceramic sculpture work; combining architectural forms with new and exciting surface and glazing techniques. She has won multiple awards for her work, such as the NASPA Ceramic Talent Award at the Westerwald Museum in Germany, the Biennal de ceramics d’Esplugues Angelina Alos in Spain, the International Triennial of Silicate Art in Kecskemet in Hungary, and the Carter Preston Award in Liverpool, UK. Alongside her long list of accolades, Irina also teaches at the Royal College of Art, and it was this passion that inspired her to expand her practice into a studio space with Inés.
For Inés, a Spanish-Filipino industrial designer and bespoke homeware manufacturer, she originally started out in editorial and graphic design, before retraining as a ceramicist specialist. Focusing on batch manufacturing techniques, Inés previously oversaw manufacturing at the Turner Prize-winning Granby Workshop, whilst also working with Stoke-on-Trent based Johnson Tiles, the UK’s largest ceramic tile manufacturer. Whilst now primarily working on private commissions, from her time in commercial manufacturing gained a love of teaching; when she would have to train up new recruits for the factory floor.
Now offering classes in clay and ceramics workshops in their new space, we spoke Inés about what she loves most about teaching, and how Obby is helping the pair grow their business.
Now you've started teaching your own workshops, what do you love most about teaching and your students?
Seeing a maker problem solve, grow and be able to overcome a making issue that they are struggling with is always fulfilling. We love the diversity of backgrounds they come from! We have had the opportunity of coming across so many people from different walks of life and cultures which is always fun for the both of us.
What encouraged you to join Obby as a teacher? And how are we helping you grow?
We know of other local studios that work with you so you come highly recommended! We have had personal assistance along the way and have really enjoyed how easily accessible help is when we have had any questions with the set up.
How do you maintain your inspiration for your craft, and how do you pass that inspiration onto your students?
We are constantly looking around and exposing ourselves to new experiences, even just simple trips to a market! We are lucky to be located in such a vibrant and busy area (London Bridge) which has so many great amenities and inspirations: Borough Market, White Cube Gallery and the Tate to name a few.
Finally, how do you feel your craft helps your students to relax and look after their mental health and wellbeing?
We live in a world that is so focused on working with interfaces and screens. Having the chance to get your hands dirty and make something functional from scratch creates this sense of achievement, in our opinion, which is unmatched by anything that a computer can do! Our studio sessions are also a great opportunity to unwind, meet new people and learn something new which is always a plus!
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