Ema Ramanskaite

EA Ceramics

Ceramicist

©EA Ceramics

Living with clay

Ema’s favourite technique is slab building
She trained at the Tetraktis studio, in Crete
In 2010 she set up EA ceramic studio

Ema Ramanskaite is a master craftswoman based on the Greek island of Crete. Originally from Lithuania, the ceramicist started pottery after a few years working in tourism. She found herself inspired by the Cretan cultural tradition, seeing ceramic all around her. Ema established her own studio in 2010, EA Ceramic, after several years of practising and training alongside the master artisan Giannis Vlavogilakis. She mainly draws her inspiration from ancient art; ancient shapes that she likes to reinterpret with a contemporary expression. Ema creates series of useful objects, such as teapots, juicers, vases, seeking to blend functionality and aesthetic beauty.

Interview

©Michalis Kalaitzakis

©EA Ceramics

When did you decide to pick up this craft?: It was while I was working in tourism, I felt the need to do something creative to relax after work. In Crete, I would see ceramics everywhere: museums, souvenir shops, archeological sites, so I decided to give it a go.
When and how did you actually start?: In 2010, after a few years of practising in Tetraktis studio, I decided to try my own luck in ceramics. I took this decision after a visit to the pottery village of Margarites. I stopped working, moved to the village and started making pottery.
Is ceramics a popular way of life in Crete?: Yes, in many ways. I moved to the village because of ceramics. It is one of a few important pottery centres on the island. It seemed smart to be where everyone lives with clay.
How do you blend tradition and innovation?: From ancient designs I find and discover in museums and archeological sites, I make my own interpretations. I adapt them to our everyday life and everyday needs.

Ema Ramanskaite is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2011