Angeliki Stamatakou

Ceramicist

©GEORGE MAVROPOULOS

Expressing emotions with clay

Angeliki is self-taught in making glazes for her ceramics
The first object she ever created was a small black bowl with three legs and a face
Through her ceramic pieces, she wants to convey personal stories and emotions

Angeliki Stamatakou acquired her Masters in Pharmacy in 2009 in the UK, and then studied Fine Arts in Athens in 2010. She was introduced to clay only in 2020 and was immediately captivated by its endless possibilities. In 2022, Angeliki formally began to work as an artist, after participating in a group show at The Blender Gallery in Athens. She collaborates with art galleries and curators in Athens, Paris, and New York. Her goal is to tell stories and capture universal truths, often drawing inspiration from nature and her personal experiences as a woman and artist. Angeliki's work is innovative, creative, and artistic. She focuses on creating visually striking objects with attention to detail and technical precision. Each of her pieces is part of a limited-edition series and intended to be collected. Angeliki took part in Milan Design Week 2022 and 2023, as well as in the 14th edition of the Florence Biennale.

Interview

©EFI GOUSI

©EFI GOUSI

When was the moment when you decided to follow this path?: It was a time when I felt a strong need to do something for myself. I was under a lot of pressure and did not have much free time. I wanted to find an activity that would allow me to be creative while spending quality time with my friends. My friends suggested pottery classes, and this is how it all began.
In what way is your craft connected with where you live?: My art is deeply influenced by the natural beauty of Greece. From the breathtaking mountains to the crystal-clear sea, Greece's diverse landscape has been a constant source of inspiration for me. My colour palettes are often influenced by the hues of Greek flora and fauna.
Which are the specific techniques you use for your craft?: I work with stoneware and combine coiling and slab building techniques to build my sculptures. I use oxides, glazes and platinum to decorate and paint them. I research and experiment to develop my own glazes from raw materials that will yield the desired characteristics.
Could you share with us a memorable moment in your working life?: One of the most memorable moments of my career was when I received an email from a prestigious gallery in New York offering me representation in the United States. This happened while I was exhibiting my work in a group show during the 59th Venice Biennale. The recognition and validation of my work gave me immense motivation to continue creating and pushing the boundaries of my art.

Angeliki Stamatakou is a rising star: she began her career in 2022 and she started teaching in 2023