Ceramicist Una Gura on learning Latgalian through ceramics

Una Gura, a ceramicist from Daugavpils in Latvia, told the portal LaKuga that she learned the Latgalian language through ceramics, as it was not spoken in her family. Her ceramics brand “Pumpunella” is known in several European countries. In the interview she also discusses her professional path, her work as a teacher and how ceramics helps preserve Latvian identity in Latgale.

The road to ceramics

Gura was born in Kalkūni, in what is now Augšdaugava municipality (then Daugavpils district). She studied at the Rēzekne School of Applied Arts, now part of the educational centre “Latgale Music and Art Secondary School”. After her studies she returned to Daugavpils and worked in painting for a long time, then came back to ceramics about 15 years ago. By her account, her interest in clay arose naturally rather than through a family tradition.

She works at the “Omotu sāta” workshop, where she receives visitors, holds masterclasses and organises symposiums. In the masterclasses, adults make clay vessels and write Latgalian words or phrases on them. Gura notes that this has brought in Russian-speaking participants who write in Latgalian. She has submitted another project and hopes to hold similar masterclasses over the next six months.

Between tradition and modernity

Gura says her “Pumpunella” pieces combine Latgalian pottery with a modern approach. In Europe, she says, black smoke-fired ceramics are especially appreciated. She makes traditional Latgalian pots once a year for Potters' Days. In her view, traditional ceramicists find it harder to depart from family tradition, while she feels freer.

Gura also works in a school and believes it is hard to earn a living from ceramics alone. Each year she organises one symposium in Daugavpils and tries to attend international events, this year including the world ceramics congress in China.