Nasia Pavlidou

Ceramicist

©Galani Faidra

©Soula Apostolaki

©Galani Faidra

©Soula Apostolaki

Concepts conveyed in clay

Nasia's ceramics explore the relationship between material, symbolism and human existence
She aims to convey and inspire emotions through her sculptures
Artistic expression is fundamental to her practice

Based in Athens, Nasia Pavlidou fell in love with clay during an Erasmus exchange in Poland, while studying sculpture. It was through the guidance of one of her professors that she came to understand the quiet power of this humble material. “She helped me develop a deep appreciation for clay in a way I had not expected. I never could have imagined dedicating myself so deeply to such a simple material,” explains Nasia. With a strongly conceptual approach, her work draws on traditional ceramic techniques to shape contemporary narratives. Themes present in her pieces include the interaction between individuals, their inner selves, and the environments they inhabit. With their expressive forms and organic textures, Nasia’s sculptures seem to emerge from untold, dreamlike tales.

Interview

©Galani Faidra

©Galani Faidra

What was the first ceramic piece you made?: My first ceramic sculpture was originally intended to be a large vase so that I could learn the coiling technique. However, I ended up creating a 1.5m high totem from ceramic pieces that resembled stacked tables. I worked with intensity to keep up with the process, and I enjoyed it so much that it became one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey.
What is your main source of inspiration?: It is nature and life itself. I am particularly interested in the relationship between form and space, the sense of fluidity and transition, and the connection between the organic and the symbolic. Through this exploration, I strive to capture the complexity and beauty of life, the never-ending change, and the interaction between living beings and their environment.
What do you love most about your profession as a ceramicist?: The freedom to create and the feeling that through my work I can express thoughts, emotions and ideas. Each piece presents a new challenge and an opportunity to explore both the material and my own inner landscape. Moreover, the fact that I have engaged so deeply with a material that fuels my thinking keeps me active and drives me to seek new meanings.
Do you aim to convey a message through your work?: Absolutely! My work is conceptual, centered around the human being and the complex behaviours humans exhibit within various contexts. For me, art is a dialogue, an effort to understand and express these profound, often unseen, aspects of our lives.

Nasia Pavlidou is a rising star: she began her career in 2019 and she started teaching in 2022