Gazing at these photos, with the delicate, silken petals so slight they’re nearly translucent, one can almost smell the perfume of the fresh-picked blooms. Full blooms at the height of their glory, before their inevitable decay. We were careful to choose images that showcase Ukrainian artist Julia Oleynik at work, because the truth is so astonishing: These flowers will never decay, because they’re not real at all, but hand-fashioned, petal by petal, in Oleynik’s home in Latvia, where she creates these delicate beauties from clay and teaches others around the world how to do the same.
Below, she tells us more about this exquisite art form.
Enchanted Living: How did you begin working with clay in this way
Julia Oleynik: Flowers, painting, and sculpture have always inspired me—they’ve been an essential part of my artistic background. At some point, that inspiration came together in a modern form of art: ceramic floristry. It was there that realistic flowers began to emerge from simple pieces of white clay in my hands: flowers that never wilt. This idea became incredibly captivating. By using fine artist-grade oil paints, I’m able to achieve nuanced tones that bring the clay flower even closer to the look of a real one.
EL: What are you trying to achieve through your work?
JO: I’m happy to share my experience with women from many different countries. Through my work, I hope to introduce more people to this beautiful form of art—one that captivates you from the very first moment. And with time, who knows, it may become a beloved hobby for some.
I continue to explore the creative possibilities of this craft, making flowers not only for interior pieces, but also for fashion brands, where my blooms become part of a dress or serve as floral accessories.
EL: Can you tell us about your love for flowers and recreating them?
JO: I love studying each flower and its uniqueness—it’s like reading the thoughts of nature. I’m in awe of its imagination: every flower has its own color palette, shape, grace, and personality. These are unique forms that reflect the individuality of each bloom.
EL: What inspires you?
JO: Nature inspires me. So do talented florists, and my students, who share their beautiful results with me. And of course, I’m deeply inspired by the projects I work on, especially when I see them come to life as part of a wedding brand’s collection.
EL: How do you manage to preserve that sense of magic?
JO: I simply love the creative process with all my heart. I enjoy expressing myself through my work. What inspires me most is the act of shaping each flower—and the feeling of joy when I see a bloom that will never fade, crafted from a humble piece of clay in my own hands.
Follow Julia on Instagram @julia_ok8.
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