Compote Vessels by Mugly, NYC Handmade in Brooklyn

Ilona Golovina is a New York-based ceramic artist, originally from Stavropol, Russia. She founded Mugly.NYC in 2020 and has since developed a distinctive practice centered around texture, form, and structural experimentation. Her work explores the interplay between nature, materiality, and tradition—rooted in ancient techniques and inspired by the tactile intimacy of working with clay. While grounded in traditional vessel forms, Ilona’s hand-built sculptures move beyond utility, becoming metaphorical containers for thoughts, memories, and ideas. She often incorporates foraged wild clay and recycled materials—such as broken glass and metal found on the streets—introducing unexpected aesthetics that challenge conventional notions of the medium. This process not only enhances the visual and conceptual depth of her work but also reflects a commitment to sustainability and mindfulness around consumption. Her forms frequently push the limits of gravity and structural balance, creating tension between fragility and strength. The result is a body of work that feels both ancient and contemporary—deeply personal and profoundly material. Golovina’s ceramics have been featured in The New York Times, Architectural Digest, and Domino Magazine, and exhibited in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Milan, Athens, and Toronto.