Bio
Born and raised in Bulgaria, Biliana got classical training as a painter, sculptor, and printmaker from the country's most prestigious Vocational High School. In high school, she majored in Printmaking, forming her love for her ceramics' graphic surface approach. She then studies ceramics at the National Academy of Arts, earning an MA in Ceramics. Traditional crafts and Contemporary European ceramics were the foundation of her education.
After graduation Biliana moved to the United States and started her studio practice and teaching. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she specializes in sculptural, hand-built ceramics, and surface design techniques.
Artist Statement
I love form. I have always found it fascinating; from the seashells to the rolling hills in a landscape - curves, silhouettes, and cast shadows are what engage my attention. I am transfixed by how forms transition into one another.
In my work, I predominantly explore the female form. For me, the female body transcends emotion. I have two categories of sculptural work: large (over 20" in height), which have a monumental appeal, and I construct with clay slabs; their shapes are simplified and have a calm demeanor. And the small sculptures (typically below 12" in stature), which are built solid like quick studies and sketches and are dynamic and playful.
I enjoy working on decorative art pieces too. Large bowls and plates offer the best three-dimensional canvas for my love for graphic imagery, texture, and color. I call that body of work "Graphic Forms." The contrast of crisp lines and delicate colored textures is vital to me. I use tape resist to get sharp lines, and for the colored textured surface: engobes (specially formulated liquid clays) and lichen-like glazes. In addition, I like the forms to have a movement. Therefore, they are constructed by hand, using coils and slabs of clay. This method allows a measured imperfection - a reference to the organic and natural world, a subtle movement to observe from all angles.
In some of my work, I explored a symbiosis between the "Figurative" and the "Graphic Forms." I create a double-exposed image by applying my graphics to the sculptures. It gives the figures a space to sit in, the shining light through a window overlaying and emphasizing the body's curves.
Born and raised in Bulgaria, Biliana got classical training as a painter, sculptor, and printmaker from the country's most prestigious Vocational High School. In high school, she majored in Printmaking, forming her love for her ceramics' graphic surface approach. She then studies ceramics at the National Academy of Arts, earning an MA in Ceramics. Traditional crafts and Contemporary European ceramics were the foundation of her education.
After graduation Biliana moved to the United States and started her studio practice and teaching. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she specializes in sculptural, hand-built ceramics, and surface design techniques.
Artist Statement
I love form. I have always found it fascinating; from the seashells to the rolling hills in a landscape - curves, silhouettes, and cast shadows are what engage my attention. I am transfixed by how forms transition into one another.
In my work, I predominantly explore the female form. For me, the female body transcends emotion. I have two categories of sculptural work: large (over 20" in height), which have a monumental appeal, and I construct with clay slabs; their shapes are simplified and have a calm demeanor. And the small sculptures (typically below 12" in stature), which are built solid like quick studies and sketches and are dynamic and playful.
I enjoy working on decorative art pieces too. Large bowls and plates offer the best three-dimensional canvas for my love for graphic imagery, texture, and color. I call that body of work "Graphic Forms." The contrast of crisp lines and delicate colored textures is vital to me. I use tape resist to get sharp lines, and for the colored textured surface: engobes (specially formulated liquid clays) and lichen-like glazes. In addition, I like the forms to have a movement. Therefore, they are constructed by hand, using coils and slabs of clay. This method allows a measured imperfection - a reference to the organic and natural world, a subtle movement to observe from all angles.
In some of my work, I explored a symbiosis between the "Figurative" and the "Graphic Forms." I create a double-exposed image by applying my graphics to the sculptures. It gives the figures a space to sit in, the shining light through a window overlaying and emphasizing the body's curves.
CV
EDUCATION
Masters of Arts in Ceramics, National Academy of Arts, Ceramics Department, Sofia, Bulgaria 1993-1998
Printmaking Major, Vocational High School for Fine Arts “Academic Petrov”, Sofia, Bulgaria 1988-1993
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Instructor, Glendale Community College, CA, Spring 2007–present
Beginning and Advanced Hand-building Ceramics
Instructor, Flintridge Prep High School, La Canada Flintridge, CA, Summer 2011-present
Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Ceramics
Instructor, California State University, Northridge, CA, Fall 2007
Intro to Ceramics, Wheel and Hand-building
Instructor, Xiem Clay Center, 2003-2012
Sculpture
Introductory and Intermediate Surface Decoration
Tile Design and Mold Making
Beginning and Advanced Handbuilding
Instructor, La Canada Community Center, CA 2008-2011
Figurative Sculpture
WORKSHOPS
2023 Darted Slab Construction, CCLCF, La Canada. CA
Figurative Sculpting, Studio AMOCA, Pomona, CA
Mastering Ceramics Surface Design Using Underglazes, Slips, and Engobes, Barro Sur, Todos Santos, B.C.S. Mexico
Yixing Teapot Construction, Barro Sur, Todos Santos, B.C.S. Mexico
2022 Figurative Sculpting with Biliana Popova, Barro Sur, Todos Santos, B.C.S. Mexico
2021 Figurative and Sculptural Elements with Biliana Popova, Green and Bisque, Pasadena, CA
2018 Jewelry making with Precious Metal Clay, Xiem Clay Center, CA
2017 Figurative Sculpture, Xiem Clay Center, CA
2015 Hand-building the Yixing Teapot, Xiem Clay Center, Pasadena, CA
2014 Hand-building and Ceramic Surface Decoration, Ojai Pottery Studio, Ojai, CA
Sculpture and Ceramic Surface Decoration–Burbank Creative Arts Center, Burbank, CA
Hand-building and Surface Decoration, Santa Monica College with ACS-DC, Santa Monica, CA
2008 Hand-building and Surface Decoration-Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge, CA
2007 Sculpture and Ceramic Surface Decoration–California State University Fullerton, CA
2005 Digital Photography for the Studio Potter, American Ceramic Society–Design Chapter, LA
2004 Surface Decoration and Development of Sculpture, Burbank Creative Arts Center, Burbank, CA
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2014 Solo Exhibition, Manhattan Beach Art Center, CA
Burbank Creative Arts Center “Biliana Popova” Solo Exhibition, Burbank, CA
2006 Featured Artist at Del Mano Gallery , LA, CA
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023 McGroarty Arts Center "The Human Figure in Clay 2023" Annual Show, Juror and Featured Artist, Tujunga, CA
2017 Long Beach Museum of Art " Art Auction XVII", invitational, Long Beach, CA
Burbank Creative Arts Center "Material Matters”, curated group exhibition, Burbank, CA
Xiem Clay Center "The Flintridge Prep Students Ceramics Exhibition with Biliana Popova", curated show, Pasadena, CA
Pierce College Gallery "All Fired Up", curated show, Los Angeles, CA
2016 McGroarty Arts Center “Teapots” 13th Annual Invitational Exhibition, curated show, Tujunga, CA
2015 "The Figurative in Clay", Invitational Group Exhibition, Craft in America Center, Los Angeles, CA
"Pedagogic Clay II", Invitational Group Exhibition, Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, CA
2014 AMOCA “Kilnopening.edu 2014”, Invitational Exhibition, Pomona, CA
2013 AMOCA “Ceramic Biennial 2013”, Pomona, CA
McGroarty Arts Center “All Cups 2”, Invitational Exhibition, Tujunga, CA
2012 LACMA “Art + Architecture Tour's Boutique”, Beverly Hills, CA
Lynn J. Gallery "Reflections" A Journey of Ceramics and Photography, Buena Park, CA
AMOCA “Kilnopening.edu” Southern California Professors and their Students Exhibition, Pomona, CA
2011 AMOCA “The Art of Clay” presented by ACS-DC, juried exhibition, Pomona, CA
2010 AMOCA “Kilnopening.edu” Southern California College and University Ceramic Instructors Exhibition
2009 American Museum Of Ceramic Art (AMOCA) “DIVERSITY IN CLAY” juried show, Pomona
Walker Gallery "Small Treasures" curated show, Palos Verdes Art Center, CA
2008 Burbank Municipal Gallery & Creative Center “ACS-DS President’s Show”, Burbank, CA
McGroarty Arts Center “The 5th Annual Ceramics Exhibition & Benefit”, curated show, Tujunga, CA
Kellog University Art Gallery “Quintessential Clay”, Five Ceramic Artist Show, Fullerton ,CA
2007 Muckenthaler Cultural Center “Clay in CA” Invitational Exhibition, Fullerton, CA
AMOCA “Extreme Clay” American Ceramic Society – Design Chapter/SCS, Pomona, CA
AMOCA “Kilnopening.edu” Southern California College and University Ceramic Instructors Exhibition
Beatrice Wood Center “The Beatrice Wood Ceramic Annual 2007”, curated exhibition, Ojai, CA
2006 MOCA "Glass and Ceramics Art Auction", Los Angeles, CA
Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts “Contemporary California Clay”, curated exhibition, Ojai, CA
2005 Xiem Clay Center "The Art of Giving" curated show, Pasadena, CA
ACS-DC President’s Show 2005 at Clay Gallery, Venice, CA
Lincoln Arts “Feats of Clay”, juried, Lincoln, CA
Featured Artist at Del Mano Gallery, LA, CA
2004 Xiem Clay Center & Gallery “Faculty Exhibition”, Pasadena, CA
Burbank Municipal Gallery & Creative Center “ Two Women Exhibition”, Burbank, CA
ACS-DS President’s Show, at Burbank Municipal Gallery, Burbank, CA
Del Mano Gallery “Hot Tea” invitational annual exhibition, Los Angeles, CA
Kirkland Arts Center Gallery “Gigantic: Ceramic Figurines”, juried, Kirkland, WA
2003 Wayne Art Center “Craft Forms 2003", juried international exhibition, Wayne, PA
Xiem Clay Center & Gallery “Faculty Exhibition”, Pasadena, CA
Tierra Solida Clay Art Gallery “Clearly Black & White”, juried, Santa Barbara, CA
Burbank Municipal Gallery & Creative Center “Clay & Glass”, juried, Burbank, CA
Metrix Arts Space “GLOBALArtLook 2003", Juried International Exhibition, Sacramento, CA
2002 ACS-DS President’s Show, at Milard Sheets Gallery, juried, Pomona, CA
2001 ACS-DS President’s Show, Ground Zero, juried, Marina del Rey, CA
AWARDS
2013 First Place, AMOCA “Ceramic Biennial 2013”, juried, Pomona, CA
2011 Best of Show, ACS in association with AMOCA, “The Art of Clay” juried, AMOCA, CA
2007 First Place, American Ceramic Society, “Extreme Clay”, AMOCA, CA
2005 Two Merit Awards, Lincoln Arts “Feats of Clay”, juried, Lincoln, CA
2004 Third Place, American Ceramic Society, President’s Show, Burbank, CA
2003 Third Place “GLOBALArtLook 2003", juried International Exhibition, Sacramento, CA
2002 Second Place and Honorable Mention, American Ceramic Society, President’s Show, Pomona, CA
2001 First Place, American Ceramic Society, President’s Show, Marina del Rey, CA
1998 Best Presentation, Exhibition “St. Spiridon”, Union of Bulgarian Artists Fund “Supporting the Art in Bulgaria”
1992 Prize “Atanas V. Patzev”, State-Public Org., Fund “13 Centuries of Bulgaria”, Bulgaria
PUBLICATIONS
2014 500 Figures in Clay, Lark Books, Featured Artist on the Front Cover
2014 Easy Reader & Peninsula, Article: With Grace and Elegance - Ceramic Art by Biliana Popova in Manhattan Beach
2013 500 Teapots, Lark Books, a division of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.
2011 500 Raku, Lark Books, a division of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., photos pg. 359
2009 500 Ceramic Sculptures, Contemporary Practice, Lark Books, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., photos pg. 76
2008 Art Buzz, the 2008 Collection, MidAmerica Publishing Company, photos pg. 84
2004 Making Marks: Discovering the Ceramic Surface, by Robin Hopper, Krause Publications Inc., photo pg. 78
OTHER EXPERIENCES
Co-founder and administrator, K&P Studio, Brentwood, CA, 2000-2008
President of the American Ceramic Society - Design Chapter, Southern California Section, 2004-2005
Newsletter Editor of the American Ceramic Society - Design Chapter, Southern California Section, 2004-2005
Treasurer of the American Ceramic Society - Design Chapter, Southern California Section, 2002-2004