María Oriza

Ceramicist

©Maria Oriza Perez

Connected to clay

Drawing is an essential part of Maria's art
She enjoys experimenting with materials
She tries to combine two and three dimensions

María Oriza had intended to study art at university, but bureaucracy prevented her from doing so in Madrid, where she wished to remain. So instead, she eventually chose ceramics. At first, she knew nothing about it, but she was quickly captivated by the potter's wheel and the process of using oxides to make colours. “I felt immediately that I was profoundly connected to clay and stoneware,” she says. She was also interested in drawing and sculpture, and tried to merge both techniques. She now makes wall pieces and installations, creating volume by cutting, joining, bending and folding planes, while searching for symmetry and simplicity.

Interview

©María Oriza

Which other materials have you explored?: I began to research with iron, concrete and polyester. I combined iron and ceramics, iron and concrete. I was passionate. In my head I had the idea to merge drawing and ceramics. But my goal is simplicity, even if there’s a very complex process behind every piece.
How would you define the difference between art and crafts?: I think craftsmanship searches for perfection but also for profitability and practicality. The artist has a completely different point of view about materials, cost and time. I belong to both worlds. I create limited, unique pieces. But every object has a soul, they are powerful in the same way.
Could you describe your creation process?: First, I create a model in paper, then a second one in clay. Then I choose the material. Clay is the most abundant material on Earth, besides water. It’s full of energy and possibilities. It's infinite, like a white canvas.
Is it possible to innovate in ceramics?: Innovation and tradition are both the same for me. You must use your hands to find the shape, pattern and volume. In that sense I think the workshop is a private and intimate space. You must investigate what's in your soul. Researching is a very big task.

María Oriza is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1988