Kallia Panopoulou

Ceramicist

©Nikos malliakos

©Alex Krassa

©Nikos malliakos

Where intention leads us

Kallia combines coil and slab construction with various appliqués in her ceramics
She took part in the Resilient Clay exhibition during London Craft Week in 2023
Her pieces are inspired by sea creatures, flowers, bones and stones

Kallia Panopoulou is captivated by the process of designing objects, sculpting forms and bringing them to life through hands-on clay work. She began her artistic journey in 2009 at Central Saint Martins, where she studied product design. Kallia experimented with clay while living in London before returning to her native Athens in 2017 to refine her skills under the guidance of Menandros Papadopoulos and Vangelis Magopoulos. "This is when I discovered my true passion," she says. In 2021, Kallia opened her own ceramic studio and created her first collection inspired by nature’s organic forms. Working primarily with high-temperature stoneware and custom-made glazes, she blends technical expertise with artistic intuition. "What I love most about my work is the balance between intention and spontaneity,” she says. Kallia has participated in several exhibitions in London, Milan, Paris, Lille and Athens.

Interview

©Nikos malliakos

Do you remember the moment you started practising this craft?: My earliest memory of ceramics is creating a piece inspired by my shoe in primary school. I still remember the joy of working with the material, even though I was too young to fully understand my connection to it. It was not until 2020 that I decided to fully dedicate myself to ceramics.
What does clay mean to you?: Clay holds endless possibilities. It allows me to create both functional objects and purely sculptural, abstract forms. It requires patience, presence and a deep connection to the material. I find great fulfilment in transforming an idea into a physical form with my hands and merging design with emotion, function with expression. Each piece carries part of a story.
Has your upbringing influenced your work?: My craft is deeply connected to the rich heritage of ancient Greek pottery. I also draw from modern Greek traditions. On a more personal level, it is shaped by memories of Greek summers spent exploring the sea and the coast with my family, collecting seashells, fishing and observing marine life.
How do your finished objects make you feel?: I always find it intense to open the kiln and see my finished pieces. My initial reaction is usually one of scepticism, as I tend to notice everything that feels off. But after a few hours, I see the piece with softer eyes and I begin to love it.

Kallia Panopoulou is a rising star: she began her career in 2017