Sky is where a bird belongs. When you look up and see its silhouette, it feels like its swimming in an ocean of clouds. Our bird is made of clay extracted from the ground and burnt in the fire. In this way 4 elements meet in a charm and the air travelling through it creates the sound of life.

When I was little I saw a film about Latgalian ceramics and still remember the scene with a little boy playing a svilpaunieks. 20 years later and now a potter, I saw the film again and recognised my teacher – the little boy with the whistle. Let the svilpaunieks also bring you pleasant surprises!

I dedicated this svilpaunieks to my little daughter Anna. I feel inspired by ducks as they symbolise freedom. They can swim the waters, walk the earth and fly high up in the sky. I wish everyone to let the positive thoughts from the duckling bring back the joyful memories of the mischievous world of our childhood.

My home and workshop is on top of a hill. Often we experience winds blowing from all four directions. So, naturally my svilpaunieks has a sleek shape with a slender neck so it can withstand the wind, fly and reach faraway lands.