When did ceramics become part of your life?
My academic studies and professional career always went hand in hand with experimenting with ceramic techniques. In 2011, I set up a ceramic studio for design, production and sales, both of unique pieces (wood- fired and made with self-collected clay) and dinnerware (electric kiln, porcelain and stoneware).
How would you describe your creations?
They sit in between artistic and functional, I think about them as nature’s elements – transformed into ceramic items for daily use. In 2015, I created Trepat, my own dinnerware brand, which was inspired by wild clay and porcelain. And then there are the one-off pieces, which are more artistic creations – nature-centred and wood-fired.
©Caterina Roma
What is the role of clay and tradition in your creative process?
My studio is located in an 18th century house next to the Gala-Dalí Museum, the area is rich in clay and it’s well known for its tradition in ceramics. This is why I started to collect local clays and other natural raw materials, to be consistent with the identity of the place and to make a statement about my inner connection with nature.
Do you have a mission?
I feel I do – it is to inspire people through functional objects that are used in daily life. I long for the appreciation of timeless pieces that have a personality and authenticity, becoming part of someone’s life, leaving behind the disposable and industrial ones, dictated by temporary fads.