From a young age growing up in Zimbabwe, Africa, Marina was captivated by the infinite potential of clay. Her childhood was spent under the warm African sun, her hands often covered in the mud of her backyard as she played with her pet warthogs. It was here, that her imagination took flight. She invented stories for the animals around her, translating these vivid narratives into tangible forms by sculpting them from the very clay beneath her feet.

 

Marina then followed a career in Advertising, where she kept making stories – for products and brands. Conceptually, her work thrived because it consistently tapped into fundamental aspects of human nature and shared experiences – desires for belonging, aspirations for a better life, the comfort of nostalgia, the thrill of novelty, or even the simple joy of connection. Later in life, Marina found her way back to clay as a hobby, when she joined Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago, and subsequently, Grand Rapids Pottery. 

 

Today, Marina is a self-taught figurative sculptor by profession. Instilling personalities into clay, her figurines are crafted with backstories that capture the essence of everyday people... with a twist. Each piece is a silent storyteller, whispering tales of unexpected passions, quirky misfortunes, and the strangely beautiful mishaps and magic of ordinary lives. She also addresses societal and cultural themes through subtle symbolism and poignant expressions in her work, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities and nuances of the human condition. 

 

Beyond figurative works, Marina creates sculptural vessels that are inspired by the textures and patterns of both human and natural design.

 

Marina's work is a product of her boundless creativity, her love for the beauty of the world, it’s people and its objects.