What was the first lesson you learned from a ceramicist?
The major lesson I learned when I was studying with ceramicist Resu Labrador is that everything has to start with an idea. When this idea motivates and even obsesses you, it becomes the engine you need to find out, learn and explore beyond your technical knowledge.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?
All my technical work is very traditional: modelling by hand, glazing with brushes or firing in the kiln. I have tried 3D printing. Networking and internet sales have helped me to create an audience and maintain my brand.
©María Tiutiunnikova
Could your craft be in danger of extinction?
Not at all. In fact, I think quite the opposite. Craftsmanship is going through a splendid moment. Handmade things are becoming more and more valued. We no longer want pieces to discard every season. We want them to be special and to last in our wardrobes and homes.
What are your sources of inspiration?
I have always enjoyed researching the work of Georgia O’Keeffe, Yayoi Kusama, Barbara Hepworth, Pina Bausch and Elsa Schiaparelli, among others. At this moment, I am very attracted to the world of minerals, science fiction, solid versus liquid and exploring things that are 'broken'.