Rejecting the traditional idea of the “potter,” Aneta Regel defines herself as a ceramic sculptor, working in close symbiosis with the elements of nature she draws upon. She believes her work should be abstract, offering an equivalence to the natural world rather than a literal description of it.
From plants to rivers, Regel seeks to capture the energies and emotions of her subjects. Moving away from functional ceramics, she distinguishes her practice by placing a strong emphasis on nature, particularly rocks. Her sources of inspiration include trees, rocks, fields, and riverbeds. She aims not only to translate nature’s diverse forms, energies, and rhythms but also to convey the emotional impact they have on her. As she explains: “I create objects which do not exist as such—neither living nor manufactured—but which translate feelings and states of being into forms that reflect both nature and my own existence.”
With this subtle approach, Regel works with materials such as rock and clay, transforming them to create the illusion of textures like bark, moss, and coral while preserving their natural essence. Her works are typically left unglazed and only partially coloured, adding a dynamic tension between strength and delicacy.
Aneta Regel has exhibited internationally, including in the United States, Belgium, and Poland. Her most important exhibitions have taken place in the United Kingdom, where she has participated in group projects at Tate Modern and Saatchi Gallery. She recently took part in the British Ceramics Biennale, an event celebrating contemporary ceramics worldwide. Her distinctions include the Highlights English Industry Award (2007), and most recently she became a member of the Royal British Society of Sculptors.
