WHO IS DIDO? INTERVIEW BY SERHII MAKHNO

ABOUT DIDO

DIDO is a series of artistic ceramics unique art objects of artistic ceramics by MAKHNO studio that develops the traditions of Ukrainian zoomorphic sculpture, a unique monument of decorative and applied art with a thousand-year history dating back to Trypillia.

DIDOs are created in a ceramic workshop based on sketches by Serhii Makhno, and are handmade and decorated. Each sculpture of ceramic art is unique and has no absolute duplicate. These art sculptures can be diverse: they can differ in size (from 10 cm to 8 m), in the technique of decoration, coloring, glazing, etc. 

The craftsmen, hereditary potters and ceramic sculpture artists, use authentic techniques and secrets, as well as their own know-how, such as the techniques of modeling, painting, coloring, glazing, and baking. All materials are natural, collected by hand in ecologically clean areas in nature. 

The series is also presented in digital as an NFT art object. DIDO made its first public appearance at the world’s largest decor exhibition Salone del Mobile Milano, where it immediately became the center of attention. They were also presented at the main international exhibition of national achievements Expo 2020 Dubai. They can be seen in the world-famous Les Ateliers Courbet gallery in New York. DIDOs are part of permanent exhibitions at art venues and galleries around the world, with the widest exposition currently on display at Kyiv’s TSUM.

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INTERVIEW WITH SERGIY MAKHNO

ABOUT THE IDEA OF CREATING DIDO

I started to be interested in Ukrainian artistic ceramics and collecting lambs and roosters when I was a teenager in the 90s. At the same time, I was drawing my own characters.

And then, while studying and researching our culture, I searched for its roots in the Opishnia Ceramics Museum in Poltava region. It was there that I fell more and more in love with zoomorphic ceramics, and there I met Vasyl Omelianenko, the famous master ceramist (then later I became his student), as well as the works of other artists who influenced me: Kytrysh, Bilyk, Arkhypenko, Prymachenko, etc.

In 2017, we opened our own handmade ceramic workshop. And two years later, we presented the first DIDOs at Isaloni, the world’s largest design exhibition in Milan.

I was in love with Ukrainian zoomorphic plastic, but I wanted to make it more relevant and understandable to the world today. That’s how DIDO appeared, produced using traditional authentic techniques, but with a modern image.

ABOUT THE NAME AND ESSENCE OF DIDO

This is an indigenous Ukrainian mythology. The name comes from the affectionate form of the word “did“, grandfather, i.e. an ancestor for all of us. This is an eternal wise kind spirit that lives next to people, protects and helps them. An ancestor of nymphs and house folk, people and animals.

ABOUT DIDO’S INNOVATION

Ukrainian zoomorphic ceramics is not just about the form, it is about the tradition of making and about extraordinary craftsmanship. So, by preserving these important principles, we were able to rethink the image, make it modern and relevant to the latest design and current artistic practices.

After all, the ancient zoomorphic ceramics also changed over the centuries, so our interpretation of it today is a natural process.

We have “humanized” it a bit, made it more anthropomorphic, given it subjectivity, and created characters that are more interesting to the modern viewer than abstract animals.

ABOUT MAKING DIDO

All DIDOs are made by hand in our workshop by virtuoso ceramists. Each one takes 2-4 weeks to make.

We use environmentally friendly materials: Ukrainian white clay and various author’s glazes, paints, etc.

First, the ceramic artwork artist creates the pottery base of the future DIDO, then creates the silhouette and details, and a long process of decoration. Then there is coloring, glazing, firing in the kiln, and drying in the open air. We have a lot of our own secrets both in technique and in the sequence of actions, just like all the ancient masters.

The main thing is that each DIDO is unique and has no exact duplicate. This is all thanks to live manual labor. In addition, there are various variations in size (from 10 cm to 8 m in height), shape, texture, color, etc. In addition, we can offer unique super limited DIDOs that exist only in a single copy.

 

FINISHING TECHNIQUES

We draw inspiration from the uniqueness of the Ukrainian ceramic tradition and the history of ceramic art. So we use authentic techniques: painting, angoba painting, glaze and overglaze painting, three-dimensional modeling, various clay extrusion techniques, etc. Sometimes we mix them, sometimes we come up with something new and unique on this basis. So the basis is authentic Ukrainian practices.

We can also use techniques from other cultures, such as raku, kintsugi, etc.

ABOUT EMOTIONS FROM DIDO

DIDOs bring joy because they are very funny and kind characters. In addition, they serve as mascots and guardians of the home. It is said that each DIDO has its own energy and a special connection with its owners. 

For many Ukrainians abroad, it is also a connection to their homeland, and for foreigners, it is an opportunity to directly experience the rich and colorful Ukrainian culture.

Each DIDO is a unique art object and a masterpiece of craftsmanship. That’s why it attracts art and design connoisseurs, collectors, and art enthusiasts all over the world.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

Ukrainian zoomorphic ceramics is unique in the world. There is nothing like it anywhere else, and it is something that impresses people in all parts of the world today. It is important to promote and develop it. It is one of the most striking manifestations of Ukrainian identity.

We offered our own version of modern Ukrainian zoomorphic plastic in our DIDOs. These ceramic artwork sculptures retain all the authentic principles, but have a more modern and conceptual image compared to the classical images.

At the moment, we are grateful to all Ukrainian modern ceramic artists who cherish and continue the zoomorphic line, because this is what distinguishes our country. We, Ukrainians, don’t even realize what a unique and gracious gift this is yet. On its basis, we have a chance to create a modern national school whose products will be welcomed both in the world’s highest galleries and in the home of every Ukrainian.