Homo Faber logo
Tbilisi, Georgia

Gigisha Pachkoria

Ceramicist

Master of ceramic teapots

  • Gigisha loves experimenting with tableware shapes and textures
  • He has a unique technique of ceramic coil building
  • His ceramic works have been exhibited worldwide

Gigisha Pachkoria is one of the renowned ceramic artists of Georgia. His interest in ceramics started in early childhood, within the artistic environment of his family. “My father was a painter, he used to bring clay home and I would model different objects. I remember my mother taking me to museums, where I got acquainted with ancient Georgian pottery.” At 16, Gigisha decided to pursue a career as a professional ceramic artist. Gigisha’s works are recognisable for his signature shapes and unique textures, achieved through a synthesis of various ceramic techniques – an approach resulting from ongoing and constant experiments. “My primary subject of interest has always been teapots, as they have unlimited possibilities for improvisation. You can experiment with the shapes of handles, body, spout and lids. Moreover, I really love tea!" The artist’s works have been exhibited at galleries and symposiums worldwide: Madrid, Milan, Moscow, Tokyo, Baku, and beyond.


Interview

©Lasha Adamashvili
©Lasha Adamashvili
Have you any signature techniques?
My coil building technique is one of a kind. By stretching the vessels from the inside, I hand build a variety of shapes and textures. I am unusual in that I undertake the entire process all by myself: sourcing clay from open-pit quarries, to sifting and grinding the raw clay body, to modelling the various shapes, glazing and firing.
In what way is your craft linked to your location?
As a wine-making country, Georgia has many ceramic vessels dating back to ancient times. I work mostly on tableware. I have also created many historic replicas, and draw inspiration from Museum collections of the Pre-Christian period. Transforming ancient shapes and textures into a new design is what interests me the most.
What is the most memorable moment of your professional life?
My task for admission to the arts academy was to create a set of crockery. This was the moment I conceived my dream to carry out a project called “1,001 teapots”, in which I would create many different shapes and apply many techniques. It took me over 30 years to finalise this project, and to hold an exhibition for this collection of teapots.
What would you suggest to a young person who is just starting their ceramic career?
It is very important to start on ceramic craftsmanship from early childhood, as you learn discipline, patience and determination. It teaches you that tomorrow will come, along with better results. I teach my students to stop fussing around. A ceramic artist should stay concentrated, confident and calm. Keep your workshop clean and take your time, do not expect immediate results.
Gigisha Pachkoria is an expert artisan he began his career in 1985

Where


Gigisha Pachkoria

Address: 10 Valerian Gabashvili Street, 162, Tbilisi, Georgia
Hours: By appointment only
Phone: +995 599652262
Languages: Georgian, English
Homo Faber
Receive inspiring craft discoveries
Presented by
Terms of useCookiesCopyrightsPrivacy policyContact info