Teona Gorgiashvili

Teio Ceramics

Ceramicist

©Teona Gorgiashvili

©Ana Gorgiashvili

©Teona Gorgiashvili

Around the world with ceramic techniques

Teona explores traditional techniques in pottery-making from different parts of the world
Her ceramic journey started as a hobby but eventually became her true professional calling
She enjoys creating pieces that bridge the gap between ancient traditions and modern design

Teona Gorgiashvili’s story is a true testament to the power of pursuing one’s passion. As a project manager in road construction for over a decade, Teona came to a point when she felt the need to express herself more creatively. So as a hobby after work, she started attending ceramic classes. “When I went deep inside the ceramic making process, I understood that it was the field of art I always wanted to be in,” she explains. This newfound passion led her to explore traditional techniques in pottery from different parts of the world. After learning wheel throwing and hand building techniques from Georgian ceramic masters, she travelled to Vietnam to be trained in the traditional drawing and glazing techniques in Bat Trang. Then she went to Morocco to master drawing and sculpting, and she even attended private masterclasses in flower moulding techniques from the Ceramic Istituto Superiore Caselli in Milan. Teona’s dedication and hard work paid off when she was chosen among ten European artists from all over the world to exhibit her works at the 28th edition of Artigianato e Palazzo in Florence, in September 2022.

Interview

©Teona Gorgiashvili

©Ana Gorgiashvili

What are your sources of inspiration?: Travel and nature are two main muses that never fail to ignite the spark of imagination in me. Whenever I return to Georgia from a journey away, my head is filled with an array of sketches, shapes and colours that I cannot wait to bring to life. With every new destination, I am gifted with a fresh perspective that enriches my imagination.
Why did you choose to express yourself through ceramics?: There is no greater joy than expressing myself through craft. It allows me to be true to myself in a way that nothing else can. It is a journey of self-discovery, creativity and connection – one that I am honoured to be on each and every day. It is a way to channel my emotions and thoughts in a positive direction and to share my unique perspective with the world.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: Winning in the iAtelier programme with my two projects opened up many opportunities. Using digital technologies alongside traditional techniques was a new experience at FabLab Iliauni, it allowed to experiment with new forms and materials, creating pieces that bridge the gap between ancient traditions and modern design. One of my winner projects – Mini Lkhini, a portable traditional Georgian table – was exhibited at Dutch Design Week in 2022.
What lessons have you learned from being a ceramicist?: Through my experience as a ceramicist, I have learned the value of patience and mindfulness in the creative process. Each step from moulding to painting and glazing requires careful attention and a calm, deliberate approach. Furthermore, after firing, the result can be unexpected and unique, and so the unpredictable nature of this creative process taught me to find joy in the journey of experimentation and discovery.

Teona Gorgiashvili is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2015 and she started teaching in 2023