from peonies to lilacs, julia oleynik creates clay flowers that look just like the real thing

Julia Oleynik sculpts lifelike floral art

Ceramic floristry project Clay Flowers by Julia Oleynik combines botanical sculpture and painting to create floral art that looks just like the real thing. Using floral clay, the artist explores the medium’s possibilities, capturing different stages of flowering through intricate textures and precise toning. By applying oil paints, she achieves accurate color gradations resembling real flowers, sculpting lifelike peonies, daisies, lilacs, roses, and more. Thinly rolling out the clay enables her to replicate each flower’s unique botanical features with precision. Oleynik’s devotion to creating runs deep, serving as her meditation and artistic outlet.

all images courtesy of Julia Oleynik

Clay Flowers series is a work of love and patience

As a clay artist and teacher, Julia Oleynik’s work has connected her with individuals worldwide, fostering a global community despite physical distances. ‘My love for creating flowers is endless. This is my meditation, my realization as an artist, my experience.’ she shares, ‘And no matter what situations arise, my creativity is my support and strength.’ Creating a floral clay piece is both an adventure and a personal challenge for the Ukranian artist. The process, from shaping a tiny stamen to assembling a full bouquet, demands significant time, patience, and love. Each piece reflects her dedication and skill in capturing the delicate beauty of the flower. 

Clay Flowers by Julia Oleynik combines botanical sculpture and painting

ceramic floral art bouquets look just like the real thing

oil paints achieve accurate color gradations

thinly rolling out the clay enables Julia Oleynik to replicate each flower

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creating a clay lilac is both an adventure and a personal challenge for the artist

Julia Oleynik’s work has connected her with individuals worldwide

the process demands significant time, patience, and love

each piece reflects the artist's dedication and skill

project info:

name: Clay Flowers
designer: Julia Oleynik | @julia_ok8

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom