Meet Dauma Stirbyte | Ceramic Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dauma Stirbyte and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dauma, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born and raised in Lithuania, in the 90s, right after our country regained its independence from the Soviet Union. I was always a creative and sensitive kid. I used to draw/use watercolors because it was the most accessible and affordable thing I could do. I come from an underprivileged background, and there were many things we couldn’t afford or do. We had to be resourceful, so we always found creative solutions and an alternative way of doing things. I’d make all sorts of things out of odd little scraps, and find ways to keep myself entertained, I think it taught me how to be a problem solver. I’m still very much like that now. My mom was always crafty too, I always admired that about her.
In 2017, when I was 14, we moved to Ireland, which was a huge cultural shock. I didn’t speak English, but art and music were always a refuge for me, so I continued to be creative in any way I could. Eventually, I graduated from the National College of Art and Design, Dublin in 2016 with a BDes(Hons) in Craft Design, specializing in ceramics.
Resilience and tenacity are the two words that come to mind when I think about what I’ve gained along the way. It’s been extremely challenging to keep going at times, but the lessons I’ve learned are priceless.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I’m asked to talk about my professional journey, the first thing I think is – nothing about this is easy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m quite stubborn, I don’t give up easily, and I spend a lot of time in the studio. There were times when I had to work miserable jobs to keep myself afloat. I’ve done shows and exhibitions that completely flopped, or my work got broken, or I didn’t get the reaction I was hoping for. It’s heartbreaking, and humbling, but you pick up the pieces, lick your wounds, and keep going. I mean, what’s the alternative? Making art is the only thing I want to do. There is no alternative. It helps to not take things so personally. I like to take some time away from people, gardening always makes me feel better, recenter myself and remember what’s important to me.

In my practice, through clay – I attempt to express my point of view; my perception of day-to-day moments, and the memories I carry. Lost between the past, present, and future, I stumble to make sense of it all and heal. The tactile quality of clay enables me to explore these themes – to try better to understand myself, and the world around me. This is how I reconnect and hold on to the sense of childlike playfulness and curiosity. The pieces I create, and the act of making in and of itself, also serve as a form of escapism. There is comfort in saying things without any words.
Growing up I hid in books about ghosts and aliens and mythical creatures. I hid in video games, in music, in quiet lonely places. Running away to imaginary worlds felt safe and comforting. I spent a large part of my childhood on my grandparents’ farms, surrounded by all kinds of animals and plants – I often use this love of nature as a drive. I find the insect world exceptionally fascinating and inspiring, but I’m very much interested in all things botanical too. I love to create conceptually driven, peculiar characters with rich surfaces that quietly tell a story of their own.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m currently living and working in London Ontario (Canada), and even though this move has been comically questioned by some folks – I think it’s a great place to live! Nicknamed the Forest City, London is a lush and lively place, especially in summertime. Victoria Park downtown always has festivals, live music, as well as art and food vendors. The Mockingbird cocktail bar is quite the experience, I also love Hunter & Co for their exquisite food options. London Music Hall and the Grand Theatre are wonderful places to visit also. And my favorite – The Pinery Provincial Park is just a short drive away and has a beautiful beach and lots of hiking trails.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank Clayworx – Ceramic Arts Learning Centre in London, Ontario, which provided me with a space to work and learn. I was an international artist-in-residence there from 2017 to 2020, and still teach sculpture classes sometimes. If it wasn’t for them I probably wouldn’t be living in Canada right now.

Also a shout-out to Adeline La from the Gardiner Museum (Toronto), Peter Flannery from The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery (Waterloo), and Greg Benns from The Benz Gallery (London). All of these good folks (and more!) have helped me achieve my goals, supported my vision, and provided kind words of encouragement along the way.

Last but not least, I’m thankful to my partner Steven, who has always been my biggest cheerleader and stood beside me every step of the way. I don’t believe we choose to be artists, it chooses us. It’s a life filled with doubt – having a partner who always has your back means the world.

Website: www.daumaceramics.com

Instagram: @daumaceramics

Facebook: @daumaceramics

Image Credits
Images 1-4 courtesy of the artist. Images 5 and 6 courtesy of the Wall Space Gallery. Images 7 and 8 courtesy of The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery.