Have you any signature techniques?
My coil building technique is one of a kind. By stretching the vessels from the inside, I hand build a variety of shapes and textures. I am unusual in that I undertake the entire process all by myself: sourcing clay from open-pit quarries, to sifting and grinding the raw clay body, to modelling the various shapes, glazing and firing.
In what way is your craft linked to your location?
As a wine-making country, Georgia has many ceramic vessels dating back to ancient times. I work mostly on tableware. I have also created many historic replicas, and draw inspiration from Museum collections of the Pre-Christian period. Transforming ancient shapes and textures into a new design is what interests me the most.
© Lasha Adamashvili
What is the most memorable moment of your professional life?
My task for admission to the arts academy was to create a set of crockery. This was the moment I conceived my dream to carry out a project called “1,001 teapots”, in which I would create many different shapes and apply many techniques. It took me over 30 years to finalise this project, and to hold an exhibition for this collection of teapots.
What would you suggest to a young person who is just starting their ceramic career?
It is very important to start on ceramic craftsmanship from early childhood, as you learn discipline, patience and determination. It teaches you that tomorrow will come, along with better results. I teach my students to stop fussing around. A ceramic artist should stay concentrated, confident and calm. Keep your workshop clean and take your time, do not expect immediate results.