Prof. Ivo Chovanec is sculptor and currently works as a lecturer in Department of Fine Arts, Faculty of Education, University of Ostrava, Czech Republic.

The author has participated in 20 solo exhibitions, 48 group exhibitions incl. 15 abroad: Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Japan, Canada, Slovakia, Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia.

His creations are exhibited in galleries and museums in Japan, Switzerland, USA, France, as well as in his country – Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art at the National Gallery Prague, Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, Museum of Decorative Arts in Brno, Silesian Museum in Opava, Museum of Ostrava.

Intimate ceramic objects by Ivo Chovanec are created without any dependence on the form of which it occurs in everyday reality, but they are formed as a brand new peculiar quality.

His work, presenting chamber ceramic objects, is based on his original process and approach in modelling of fireclay, subsequent firing and finally, which makes a difference, his characteristic signature, abrasion of fired shape. Abrasion results in appearance of the clay´s natural structure. Objects are often not glazed to highlight the shape, outline and texture appearance under the light.

As a precondition, which is also an integral part of the rule of creative art, he explores the challenges of material: flexibility of the wall having hollow shape, limits of clay suppleness and its processional behaviour. He is like “a tempter of material”... he relies on his own technology procedure of modelling in fireclay with the following scuffing of yet unfired object or manual grinding and sanding the shape of already fired objects.

The shape is understood by him in its magnificence, softly and closely. Dominating round forms evoke concealed – guessed process, concentration, loneliness, sensuality, silence and, together with final smoothness and possibility to touch, also the feeling of security. Sophisticated temperance is provoking to a peaceful and intimate contemplation.