About the Artist

My name is Mr. Basyuk, Ilya (Clay Soldier).

I am Self-taught sculptor and ceramist.

Born in 1970s. Studied History and Archeology. Immigrated to the States in 1996.

Joined the U.S. Army. Served for 20 years. Have been all over the World.

Participated in Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. Received the Bronze Star.

I acquired a degree in Psychology.

I have enjoyed working with clay since I was a child. I took some ceramic classes here and there. I spent time working with clay (when I could find it) on my deployments.

Clay is magical.

My intent is to express kind, good, and happy ideas in my art and make human society better.

My shop is filled with sculptures of Kings, Queens, mythical characters, warriors, poets, mystics, beasts, and wizened ancient men.

Different images are living in my mind when I make my clay sculptures. These strange, mystical and ancient personas – that have a very talismanic and archeological feel to them – are fascinating and are coming alive out of clay with a little help of my mind and my fingers.

I sell expensive handmade ceramic Sculptures. They are sculpted, dried, fired, dried, glazed, and fired again.
These Sculpture will make an outstanding conversation starter.
They are brand new.

PLEASE SEE pictures for details and flaws, if any, and ask questions.

The ruler (or coin) in these pictures is there to show the size of the sculpture.
I appreciate you buying from me. I’ll pack up your purchase with full attention to arriving safely, using recycled materials, and I will send it on the same within 2 business days.

If you want me to make some special sculpture for you, please let me know.

Disclaimer:

My art cost money. I spend hours sculpting, waiting on sculptures to dry in a controlled environment, firing my pieces in my kiln at high temperatures, hand glazing every detail on every single one of my pieces, waiting for them to dry, and then firing them in the kiln again. It is custom work, it may not have perfect forms or glazing shades, but that’s what gives my sculptures character. Each sculpture is a unique one. It's not a mass-produced factory's copy. My intent is to express kind, good, and happy ideas in my art and make human society better.

The more well known I become, the more my art will cost. This means that you can invest in my art if you wish.

Any objects that are used to better show the size of my art (i.e. quarters, rulers, etc.) are not for sale.

My sculptures are made in the USA (Virginia).

No returns, no money back, sold as is.
Free shipping to Continental United States (CONUS).

For International and OCONUS (Other than Continental United States) Shipping, please contact me to get a quote.

Method of Payment: PayPal Only
Thank you for your time.

I appreciate your Support! Things come and go, but Art is immortal!

P.S. I also sell my sculptures on ebay - https://www.ebay.com/str/claysoldier

In order to protect my name/brand I opened a small business – Clay Soldier LLC.