Rada Dicheva

tochka & tochka

Ceramicist

©Marieta Tsenova

©tochka & tochka

©Kalin Valchev

On a journey of creativity

Rada's work is regularly presented in exhibitions in Bulgaria
Visual art and functionality mark her creations
Her parents still keep all of her works from high school

Rada Dicheva is acknowledged as among the best artist-artisans of her generation. With the ability to cast a critical eye over the quality and idiosyncrasy of her work, she is able to work in multiples without losing originality or lowering her high standards. Her works range from delicate white porcelain tableware to vases and more abstract items, some decorated with the subtly traditional 'shevititsi' (seamstresses) patterns. Because she is aware how rich the capabilities and specifics of ceramic materials and processes are, Rada tries to focus her work in order to properly deepen and refine her methods.

Interview

©Miroslav Milev

©tochka & tochka

Who was your first teacher?: Anna Grebenarova. In her studio, I was introduced to plastic practice and fictile materials. That was before I went to high school. I still remember the specific smell of moisture typical of sculptural and ceramic workshops, which comes from the clay. There, I also saw a ceramic oven for the first time.
What's your studio like?: I've had it since graduation and with the help of my father, who is a mechanical engineer, we built my first large furnace, a cement table with mosaic coating and shelves for drying the work. Over the years, I've added important tools, such as a grinding wheel, clay press and porcelain slip mixer.
What techniques do you use?: I use the process of casting porcelain and various techniques for hand building and creating moulded objects. I prefer to paint the porcelain and clays myself or to preserve their natural colour. Whenever an idea allows it, I leave the surfaces unglazed.
What are some of your inspirations?: I have always been fascinated by Japanese traditional culture, especially porcelain. The aesthetics in their tradition are brought to perfection through incredible precision. Bulgarian traditional culture also has deep roots in pottery and is a rich source of inspiration.

Rada Dicheva is a master artisan: she began her career in 1990 and she started teaching in 2005