Maria Marinoglou
Maria has been an established ceramist since 1989. Her
works are also shown in the Anemos, Astolavos, and Atrion
galleries and selected shops in Greece. Her works of art
are highly respected by artists in Greece. Maria chose the
"Raku" technique because of its natural results.
The fire and smoke change the colors and give the pieces
beautiful depth and expression. She first makes the object
from clay and fires it in the first kiln. Once it is cool,
she paints the piece to her liking and fires it again at
950 degrees in a different kiln. When the object is ready,
she buries it in a pit of wood shavings. This is where the
magic happens. The smoke and heat begin to give the object
its own personality while it smolders in the pit. When she
pulls it out, it must be soaked in a sink of water to help
it cool and set. If she is not pleased with the final outcome,
Maria can re-fire it a second time and try the process once
again.
Maria seems to definitely be inspired by the world around
her. Her latest creations are of Olympic athletes in motion,
hung in a cage, like a bird, to represent the repressed
Olympic spirit this year regarding the upcoming Olympic
Games in Athens.
My favorite pieces she makes remind me of beautiful quilts.
They are fashioned like a blanket with squares of wire and
hang on the walls inside her home. They are above her couch,
in her kitchen and next to her fireplace. Small decorative
patterns of wreaths, little Greek houses, or leaves hang
sweetly in random squares. These pieces perfect for filling
up wall space with out the feeling of the room closing in
and always interesting pieces to look at.
Maria has a lot of friends and admirers. So many of the
artists I already know have insisted I see her work. They
were right!
Her works are currently available in many shops in Greece.
Her workshop is open to visitors, but her time is very limited,
as she alone makes each piece by hand. She will soon have
a shop for retail above her workshop and will welcome more
visitors then. If you are interested in her pieces, feel
free to contact her.
Here you can see more photos of her works from inside her
cheery home and workshop.
