How Fish Plate Pottery Fits into the Clay Homeware Practice of Serhii Martynko

Ceramic artist Serhii Martynko focuses on creating pottery that is intended for practical use in daily life. His work reflects the idea that ceramic objects should be functional, durable, and suitable for regular handling, washing, and table use. Rather than emphasizing decorative detail, his practice prioritizes balance, usability, and simple forms.

Martynko’s early education in Ukraine influenced his ceramic style. The traditional ceramics workshops in the area tended to focus on the tableware that could be used many times but still retained the simple and functional forms. This history still affects his practice of independent studios. He uses his online platform to offer handmade ceramic homeware to a global market, with a core in traditional craftsmanship.

Natural Form and Design Approach

Martynko’s work is guided by the use of natural forms rather than detailed surface decoration. His designs avoid ornamental imagery and instead focus on organic structure, proportion, and contour. Elements inspired by nature are translated into functional clay homeware objects.

The fish plate pottery is an example of this design philosophy. The fish shape defines the overall structure of the plate rather than serving as a surface decoration. The rim, surface balance, and form follow the outline of the fish, creating an object that references natural shapes while remaining fully functional for serving and presentation.

Functionality and Structural Design

Fish plate pottery is produced using a consistent design approach despite its distinctive shape. Attention is given to material thickness, weight distribution, and surface smoothness to ensure the plate is comfortable to handle and suitable for long-term use. The structural stability of the plate is intended to support food presentation while maintaining durability.

The same design principles are applied across Martynko’s clay homeware collection, including bowls, plates, and serving pieces. While the production process is largely consistent, minor variations in shape and texture may appear because each piece is handmade. These variations are considered a natural characteristic of handcrafted ceramics rather than a defect, reflecting the individual production process.

Material Treatment and Firing Technique

Milk firing is one of the methods employed that doesn’t create a bright surface finish with the use of artificial glazes. This process reinforces the bond between the clay, heat, and final surface appearance.

What is obtained is a food-safe finish that retains the raw nature of the ceramic material. The pieces do not have very smooth surfaces, as they retain their natural texture. The surfaces could also develop a patina (from repeated handling and washing) over time, indicating the aging of functional objects.

Role in Contemporary Interior Spaces

Martynko’s pottery is designed to integrate into modern interior environments. Contemporary homes often feature open shelving, open kitchens, and visible dining storage, where tableware becomes part of the visual setting.

The fish plate can function both as serving ware and as an object displayed on shelves or countertops when not in use. Various interior styles, such as minimalist apartments, coastal-style homes, farmhouse kitchens, and modern living spaces, can incorporate the understated design of the fish plate.

Craft Development and Future Direction

Martynko is continuing his work on ceramics and intends to organize his future studio work in the United States. His long-term ambition is to create a working space and learning place where traditional ceramic practices can be practiced and shared.

His design focuses on crafted production, material quality, and functional design. His practice examines the connection between everyday objects and traditional craft through fish plate pottery and other homeware. The emphasis is on ceramics that may be used in everyday life while preserving the features of handmade production and aging the materials used in nature.