Irina Okula throws functional forms on a potter?s wheel using white earthenware clay, stoneware, and porcelain. The majority of her work is functional, however, some is non-functional. Forms include mugs, casseroles, covered dishes, and bowls. The surface of each object is first polished with a stone then painted with several coats of Terra Sigillata (a fine white clay slip) and polished again with a soft cloth then fired to 1800 Fahrenheit. Each piece is then wrapped with combustible materials such as salt marsh hay, seaweed, corn husks and sawdust soaked in a solution of iron, cobalt, copper or yellow ochre oxides and wrapped around the vessel secured with coper wire. The wrapped piece is then placed in a saggar (a covered fire clay container that contains a ceramic object in the kiln) and fired in a gas kiln.
Okula in other collections
TMP collaborates with the finest public and private collections of modern and contemporary American ceramics in the United States. Browse collections to learn about artists and their works. Reach out to us to become a collection partner.
Note:
These records have been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced.
Last updated: April 22, 2026
The Marks Project encourages the use of images found on this website for personal, noncommercial use, including educational and scholarly purposes. Some images may be protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights. To request permission to use an image from our website please contact info@themarksproject.org
This resource is for educational use and its contents may not be reproduced without permission. Please review our Terms of Use for more information.


