Una Mjurka
California

Earthenware, engobe, underglaze, glaze, oxides
Non-functional
13"w x 3.25"d x 7.5"h

About the Teapot
This teapot is hand-formed, painted with numerous layers of colored clay slips, underglaze, oxide, and glaze washes, and incised with a line drawing detailing. While it has all the makings of a functional piece, as it is made of earthenware, I would recommend using it only for decorative purposes.

About the Artist
Una Mjurka was born in Riga, Latvia. She received an Artist Expert Degree in Ceramics from Riga Applied Art School in 1986 and a BFA in Ceramics from the Art Academy of Latvia in 1994. The same year, Mjurka moved to the U.S. to continue her education at Humboldt State University (Arcata, CA) and subsequently earned an MFA in Spatial Art from San Jose State University (San Jose, CA). Since graduation, she has taught ceramics, painting, and drawing in various settings (New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, NM), Foothill College (Los Altos Hills, CA), Community School of Music and Art (Mountain View, CA), and others). In 2006, Una was hired for a tenure-track position in ceramics by the Department of Art and Design at California State University, Fresno. In 2016 she received the Fresno State Provost's Award for Faculty Service. Mjurka was promoted to a Full Professor in May of 2018.

Artist Statement
While most of my artwork is purely sculptural in nature, I do enjoy creating decorative teapot forms on occasion. Aesthetically, these teapots mimic the visual characteristics and overall mood of my sculptural work. These non-functional pieces usually have simple bodies adorned with intricate, softly textured attachments in the form of fruit, vegetables, or other types of vegetation. The use of natural forms and plant life is inspired by my childhood memories of growing up in the Latvian countryside, freely roaming the meadows and forests while picking herbal teas, wild berries, and mushrooms. The understated, matte engobe surfaces, enhanced by oxide and glaze washes, are earthy and rustic, amplifying the sense of a natural, unadulterated environment.

*Teapots that are purchased will remain on display in the gallery for the duration of the exhibition, through September 14, 2026.
After the show closes, teapots will be carefully packed and shipped by September 28, or they may be picked up at the gallery.

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Una Mjurka - Blackberry Teapot