Irene Dominguez - Sculptress
Irene was born in the heart of Ecuador’s Andean highlands, in a valley surrounded by nature, where the simplicity of life and the raw beauty of the landscape left a lasting mark on her. Growing up in such an environment, her work is deeply influenced by the connection between human existence and the natural world—simple, yet full of complexity. This connection is reflected in the essence of her art: sculptural pieces that carry both beauty and imperfection, embracing the passage of time and the experiences that come with it.
Although Irene works with ceramics, she does not consider herself a ceramist. She is a sculptress, and this distinction shapes her approach. She does not create merely functional objects; instead, her work is driven by the pursuit of uniqueness and design. Each piece is treated as a sculpture, with a focus on capturing its own individuality. Her creations are not about perfection; they are about telling stories through texture, form, and character.
Her art draws heavily from the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the natural decay that comes with time. Irene also finds inspiration in brutalism, focusing on raw, unrefined aesthetics that reflect strength in simplicity. These influences are intertwined with her own personal experiences and the everyday life she’s lived—shaped by nature, the people, and the surroundings that have shaped her journey.
For Irene, the uniqueness of each piece is in the “gesto”—the intangible gesture that gives the piece life and evokes emotions. This is the essence of her work: each item tells a story, one that is far from flawless, but rich in meaning and depth. This is how Irene creates her utilitarian sculptures—functional art that embraces imperfection, celebrates individuality, and honors the passage of time.
The Technique: The Art of Imperfection
Each piece in the Namaku Collection is carefully hand-modeled, allowing Irene to infuse her artistry and individuality into every curve and surface. The process involves experimenting with different glazing techniques, using minerals, pigments, and oxides to discover and achieve distinct textures.
The firing process plays an unpredictable yet essential role in the creation of these pieces. As the pieces are exposed to the intense heat of the kiln, unexpected changes can occur. Irene embraces these transformations, seeing them as a natural part of the process that adds authenticity and character to her work. This willingness to surrender control to the elements of nature further reflects her philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection.
The Materials: Stoneware Ceramic and Glazes
The Namaku Black Coffee Set is crafted using hand-built stoneware ceramic, chosen for its durability and natural, organic appeal. The surfaces are glazed with a combination of metals, minerals, pigments, and oxides, resulting in textures that are rich, varied, and visually striking. The glazes reflect the natural elements of the earth, creating a tactile experience that is as authentic as it is beautiful.
This material is both timeless and modern, combining strength with artistry. The interplay of textures and finishes ensures that every piece has its own unique story to tell.
