What fascinates you about ceramics?
Since the beginning, I've been fascinated by having direct contact with the raw material, the clay, but also by the fact that this craft encompasses all four elements of nature. I am also entranced by the notion that a work that has shape, volume and colour can be born out of a mass of earth.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Nature is my main inspiration. I live and work surrounded by nature and near the sea, which makes me feel free. I am also inspired by all the modern dance performances I have watched in my city over the last 23 years, and by tradition, from ancient times until today.
© Vassilis Papaioannou
What inspired you to create your collection of boxes?
For that specific collection I was inspired by ancient boxes called 'pixides' in Greek, where women kept their jewellery. I was always fascinated by these kinds of boxes because they are used to store and protect precious items.
What has been the highlight of your career?
My participation in the ceramics biennale in the city of Mino, Japan. Out of 2,500 works of art, only about 240 were selected and I was the first Greek ceramicist to participate in such an important event. Also, my first solo exhibition dedicated to my late teacher, Myrto Magkanari.