The poetry of ceramics
- Maria is an architect who turned to handmade ceramics
- All her pieces are accompanied by a poetic verse
- Her studio functions as a ceramic atelier and showroom
Maria Baleva creates functional, everyday objects and tableware in porcelain. Her work is shaped by her background in architecture, with a focus on proportion, material and spatial balance. In 2019, Maria launched her ceramic practice, and one year later, she established Pottery & Poetry, a contemporary studio that serves as a space for production, experimentation and knowledge exchange. "I work closely with a team of ceramicists on creating small-batch collections and bespoke pieces for private clients, restaurants and international partners," she says. Today, Maria is a member of the Craft Chamber of Sofia, and is specialised in artistic ceramics. She regularly hosts workshops and limited educational courses in her atelier, to share knowledge and appreciation for material culture and contemporary craft.
Interview
- What distinguishes Pottery & Poetry’s objects?
- Most prominently, the fact that all our ceramics are accompanied by a verse. The objects themselves have organic and irregular shapes, and their colours are always bright and rich in variety.
- What drives your passion?
- My strength is my inspiration and motivation. I like to make objects in single pieces or small batches, so I do not use moulds or casting techniques. Every time I complete a piece, I immediately think of the next idea. This keeps my interest in ceramics flowing. I enjoy this freedom.
- Which aspect of your craft do you enjoy most?
- All techniques and traditions are very interesting to me. I never stop reading and learning from experienced masters, who are an inspiration to me. I am impressed by original whimsical works that I randomly find. I immediately ask myself: Why have I not thought of that?
- Is there a key rule you follow?
- I do not allow myself to get bored. If I am motivated to work, success and efficiency are guaranteed. Project management is also very important. When handling ceramics, one should not hurry, all technological rules and sequences must be observed, otherwise nothing will work.
Maria Baleva is a rising star: she began her career in 2019 and she started teaching in 2021
Where
Maria Baleva
