Viktoriia Smirnova was born and raised in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Following the invasion of Ukraine, she was displaced from her home and made the difficult decision to temporarily leave some family members behind. Now living in Boulder County as a Ukrainian refugee, she is finding stability and connection through her passion for pottery.

Smirnova creates stunning ceramic pieces using an old-world technique known as Milk Sealing. Entirely self-taught, she shapes each piece by hand—without the use of a potter’s wheel—making every vessel one of a kind. The process brings her deep joy and serves as a personal expression of resilience, love, and tradition.

The Milk Sealing method, passed down to her by a mentor, combines milk and beeswax in the finishing process and was used long before the development of modern glazing techniques. Her pieces are either finished with a mixture of milk and beeswax or with beeswax alone. The result is a waterproof surface with a rich, organic texture that reflects the heritage of this rare and nearly forgotten method.

Viktoriia’s pottery is both functional and expressive. Each piece is intended for handwashing and is not microwave safe, in keeping with the traditional process. Through her work, she honors her cultural roots and brings old-world craftsmanship into contemporary homes.