The patient expression of clay
- Eleni explores ceramics through functional and creative forms
- She enjoys combining various techniques within a single piece
- Her creations feature an earthy, minimalist aesthetic
Although she initially pursued studies in physics, Eleni Palaiologou was later drawn to ceramics, quietly inspired by a childhood memory of visiting a traditional pottery studio on the Greek island of Serifos. After a few years of full-time training and experimenting with techniques, Eleni has opened her own studio in Athens. She offers a collection of both functional and decorative objects, balancing her practice between production and experimentation. Each of her creations seeks a harmony of contrasts: textures in dialogue with colours, forms responding to lines. By combining different processes such as wheel throwing, coil and slab building, or pinching, her work becomes an ongoing exploration of clay’s practical and expressive potential.
Interview
- What are your sources of inspiration?
- When I think about my inspirations, I realise that much of it operates on a subconscious level. The general aesthetic of my work has been shaped gradually over time, starting even from early childhood, memories, images and emotions accumulated over the years. They have quietly influenced how I perceive and create.
- How does your creative process usually begin?
- It all starts with an idea for a new design. Depending on the object, I choose specific techniques and begin experimenting, whether wheel throwing, coil or slab building, pinching, or a mix of these. New designs often emerge unexpectedly, and when they do, I set aside the original idea to explore the new perspective.
- Are there any particular techniques or materials you enjoy experimenting with?
- I enjoy working with local materials that I collect from the different places I visit throughout the year. There is something deeply satisfying about transforming raw earth into clay or glaze, and I love creating pieces that hold a tangible connection to the places I have visited.
- What was a turning point in your journey with craft?
- It was actually the outbreak of Covid-19. Despite the difficulties and personal tragedies it brought, that period of change offered me the chance to rethink my career path. The rise of e-commerce during the pandemic also played a key role, allowing me to take the first steps toward building my small business.
Eleni Palaiologou is a rising star: she began her career in 2020
Where
Eleni Palaiologou
