The faces in front of future students, the hands - guardians of the craft, the people - inspirers. A column that introduces you to the future teachers at the craft school, part of the Colorful Factory.
She is a woman of remarkable patience, calmness and precision. All skills and qualities that are necessary for a person dedicated to ceramics and more specifically – decoration. As the wife of a potter, perhaps it is quite natural for her to develop her own techniques and style, with which the two of them, in partnership, create some of the most remarkable and outstanding ceramic dishes and products that if you have been to Troyan, you cannot help but have seen.
We tell you about Stella Georgieva, and she tells us how women are changing ceramics.
In the 20 century, women entered the art of ceramics in our country, with the appearance of the first female decorators of fine ceramic products, and until then it was considered to be an entirely male craft. How did women change Bulgarian ceramics?
The female presence gradually changes, enriches and diversifies the aesthetics in ceramics. The creative field in the pottery craft is so wide that everyone can find their place. In the 70-80s of the last century, women were in all positions in the production in ceramic factories. In our time, women participate, organize individual, family and collective formats for creativity. Contemporary art and design are created. Technological progress allows for the creation of unique works with a functional and aesthetic purpose. Women's flair and finesse leave their mark on each edition.
Since when has ceramic art been present in your life and how did you start getting involved in decoration?
Since I've been married, ceramics have been an integral part of my life. By helping my husband, all without having to use a wheel, I've learned the secrets of the craft.
After draining and shaping, it is decorated. It goes through various stages until the product acquires its finished appearance.
What are the specifics of this process? What laws are followed and where does creative freedom come in?
The specificity of pottery is that there is a strictly defined order - setting a goal, a theme. We proceed to making a certain vessel by firing or combined construction. We wait for the right moment of humidity and proceed to decoration. Preparing colors is a responsible process. Engobes, base colors are purchased and subsequently saturated to the required intensity with pigments. Applying these engobes on a light or dark background gives great variety. They are polished at the right time and left to dry. Finally, the kiln and temperature have the last word. Creative freedom is almost always and everywhere with us, of course when it is not a question of an order with strict parameters.
Are there hidden symbols in the decoration and what is their history?
The theme of symbols is interesting. In some of our products we use the spiral, the white and black colors in combination, the sunny colors that bring light and positivity. The spiral can be considered as a symbol of life. The Beloosom apron - the white color frames and closes the black. The banner and the Trojan drop as a celebration and symbolism of rhythm, dance and melody. Our "Megarian cup" symbolizes infinity, because it has no handle and the circle is without beginning and end. The vertical and horizontal lines are reminiscent of parallels and meridians of the Earth's globe and thus create a feeling of organization and order.
How has people's interest in Bulgarian ceramics changed and how does it stand today in a contemporary context?
Since ancient times, ceramics have covered the needs of everyday life through utensils for cooking, storing and serving. Over the years, it has developed at a rapid pace, with prototypes being seen in museums that carry the spirit of their time. Nowadays, ceramics is a large galaxy of aesthetic, decorative and functional objects. All this is due to the variety of consumables and materials from all over the world. Clay, engobes, kilns for firing products. This allows for the creation of unique objects and creative upsurges.
With what emotions do you embark on the “Colorful Factory” project?
The idea of "Sharena Fabrika" captivated me with the fact that the thread of knowledge, skills and love for the craft could be continued, as well as inspiration could be passed on to future generations. Everyone who touched the mystery of the craft would master a piece of it, and this would pave the way for the next generation. The craft will be alive and will live on in the future.
What is the process of learning the craft and what skills are needed?
The processes of mastering the craft go hand in hand with practice and theory. It starts with easier items and gradually becomes more complicated. At every moment, one must observe and know what is happening – which operation is next. Prior knowledge, skill and patience are required. The happiest moment is when the kiln is fired. Then it is opened with impatience.
Who were your teachers and what is the most valuable advice you remember?
My husband is my teacher. The advice I received for entering the craft is attention, patience, hard work, satisfaction and love for what I have created with my hands and heart. There are many "pitfalls" in ceramics, but they must be overcome.
Experiments go hand in hand with creative ideas. Sometimes all this leads to unexpectedly beautiful results. Every artist is happy with what he has created because he has put in work, heart and soul to impress his fans.
