Yana Sholenbakh (b. 1984, Kazakhstan), Belgium. Artist that works with medium clay to explore the sensitivity and fragility of a naturally strong material by combining impure, rough clay and fine paper porcelain together. The textured surface and limited choice of contrasting colours give the objects strong individual character. While wavy surfaces create safe, intimate spaces, a shelter for vulnerability.

 Her work is strongly influenced by the textures and shapes of the natural area around the Ili River in Kazakhstan (Central Asia). The place where she was born and grew up. The colour symbolism of the nomads inspires her as well. White, blue, red and gold are sacred and symbolic colours in Turkic culture. She transfers them into ceramic medium by giving them their own voice. Together they create her own visual language.