Ilias Christopoulos

Ceramicist

©Vassilis Papaioannou

Giving life to clay

Ilias loves the serenity and calmness of the creative process
His work is inspired by nature, modern dance and tradition
Most of his works are created on the wheel

Ilias Christopoulos knew from the age of thirteen that he wanted to practise the art of ceramics, when he took ceramics lessons at school in Kalamata led by Iro-Myrto Magkanari and Saimon Hill. Later, Ilias also took ceramics courses in Athens before returning to his hometown where he opened his own workshop and started teaching ceramics to both children and adults at the same school where he once was a student. “Teaching ceramics is very important to me because I love to transfer my knowledge of the art of ceramics to others. Teaching children is even more interesting as you can see how purely, spontaneously and freely they are able to create without being confined by any rules or fear.”

Interview

©Vassilis Papaioannou

©Vassilis Papaioannou

What fascinates you about ceramics?: Since the beginning, I've been fascinated by having direct contact with the raw material, the clay, but also by the fact that this craft encompasses all four elements of nature. I am also entranced by the notion that a work that has shape, volume and colour can be born out of a mass of earth.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?: Nature is my main inspiration. I live and work surrounded by nature and near the sea, which makes me feel free. I am also inspired by all the modern dance performances I have watched in my city over the last 23 years, and by tradition, from ancient times until today.
What inspired you to create your collection of boxes?: For that specific collection I was inspired by ancient boxes called 'pixides' in Greek, where women kept their jewellery. I was always fascinated by these kinds of boxes because they are used to store and protect precious items.
What has been the highlight of your career?: My participation in the ceramics biennale in the city of Mino, Japan. Out of 2,500 works of art, only about 240 were selected and I was the first Greek ceramicist to participate in such an important event. Also, my first solo exhibition dedicated to my late teacher, Myrto Magkanari.

Ilias Christopoulos is a master artisan: he began his career in 1990 and he started teaching in 1997