My name is Maria Economides and I was born and raised in Thessaloniki Greece. I studied business administration to run my family business of timber trade , but arts and crafts was always part of my life . in 2010 I moved with my family in Shanghai , China where I lived for 8 years having the opportunity to travel all over Asia and discover different cultures . I moved to Athens , Greece in 2018 and started studying ceramics which became my passion because In contrast to this era of instant gratification we’re in, clay needs time, patience and concentration. You need to be present and focus your mind on the material you have in your hands. When I work with clay, I disconnect from every other thought. That, for me, is incredibly important.

I always did things with my hands like knitting or wood carving. But when I first touched clay, I immediately felt that it was something different. I felt an instant connection; the clay is fragile but at the same time strong. My first thought was that it is just like me and most of the women I know. That inspired me.

When I work with clay I feel that I enter into a dialogue with the material. I enter a relationship with it. Clay sets its limits and shows me what it likes and what it does not like. I try to make that work for me.

Body parts collection is a series 
inspired  by anatomical votive offerings 
using  the ancient technique that involves creating forms without a pottery wheel , using the hands , finger and simple tools. Decorated  in bold colors  with slips , terra sigillata or glazes  the forms wants to play between the functional and sculptural with a dose of humor .