Why did you choose this craft?
My studies and work as an architect have made me understand and embrace craftsmanship. I began to experiment with my desire to create with my hands. The materiality and tactility of tiles intrigued me from the very first moment.
How do you express your Greek heritage in your work?
Even though I am currently living in Sweden, Greece is my heritage: its history, tradition, architecture, customs, and topography shape me as a person, artist and architect and influence my work. In my work, I try to reconnect with my roots, my memories of places I have been to, and images from my childhood.
©Myrsini Alexandridi
Where do you draw inspiration?
I get inspired by folklore that is transferred from one generation to the next. I was very lucky to grow up with two grandmothers who made embroidery. It is fundamental for me to keep my origins alive through my work. I remember sitting and doing my homework at the kitchen table while my grandmother patiently knitted next to me.
Which techniques do you use?
For tile murals I use smalt paint on top of glazed surfaces; the paint mimics the look of glazed ceramics without the need for a kiln. I paint ceramic vases and plates with underglazes on top of the bisque. Once they are dry, I glaze and fire them in the kiln.
My painting techniques are pointillism on two-dimensional objects and continuous lines on three-dimensional objects.