Katerina
Reimagining clay through low-waste making
- Katerina uses many different techniques and materials
- Clay was the starting point for a second life for her
- Eco-conscious design and circular economy principles drive her research
When she was young, all of Katerina's schoolteachers noticed her creativity. She was very curious, loved studying artistic disciplines and her works were always out of the ordinary. Years later, when she was expecting a baby, she decided to change her life. She attended the famous School of Ceramics in Montelupo Fiorentino, a little village near Florence, that also hosts a museum and an international festival on ceramics. Working with clay took Katerina on a path of rebirth. Testing different materials and techniques and refining her artistic language, she increasingly embraced low-waste methods and natural materials in her work. This led her to become part of Green Task for Ceramics, a community focused on reducing the ecological footprint of ceramic production through shared best practices.
Interview
- Why do you love clay so much?
- Clay is like a mother to me. It nourishes me, makes me feel good, gives me emotions, helps me to materialise visions and feelings. It is a living and generous material and I love to connect it with other materials.
- What is your main source of inspiration?
- More than anything else, Nature inspires me: the sea, a tree, a leaf, a branch, an insect, a stone… Nature is a reservoir of so many fascinating resources and harmonies. I think we should be more aware of its unique value. We should protect it. It is not infinite and we are wasting it.
- You always use different techniques, which is your favourite?
- I cannot answer this question, I go on exploring. Research is exciting and I learn something new every day… also a flower can suggest new techniques.
- What is something unique about your occupation?
- It is not an easy job, but it gives me the opportunity to meet many kindred souls, who are keeping dreams and creativity alive. They can just as well be children or great masters such as Alessio Sarri, Ubaldo Pasqualetti and Raffaele de Rosa. This a very special gift. I enjoy it and I want to keep it.
Katerina is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2010
Where
Katerina
