Giannis Apostolidis

En Sifno

Ceramicist

©Vengio

The tradition of Sifnian pottery

Giannis started creating when he was eight years old
He teaches local pottery traditions and history in his workshop
He makes his own clay with the local Sifnian soil

Giannis Apostolidis is a third-generation potter from Sifnos, who learned the craft from his father in their family workshop. As a potter who upholds the tradition of Sifnos, he keeps on creating on the side wheel, making both traditional and modern forms following the traditional technique which he adapts to new ideas. Giannis consciously chose to be a professional potter because it gives him the opportunity to transform his feelings into an object. Everytime he sits at his wheel to create, he feels relaxed and finds the creative process magical. Giannis believes that pottery cannot be entirely taught. “It is something you discover within yourself and develop with patience and will along the way. You have to remember that time is always an ally and not an enemy, and you have to follow it,” he says.

Interview

©Vengio

©Vengio

How did you learn your craft?: I learned the craft from my father, who was a second-generation potter. I grew up in the family's workshop and learned the craft through continuous practice since I was eight. Like most Sifnian potters then and now, my practice included creating mainly kitchen utensils because that is what was in demand.
When and how did you start your career?: In 2007, I opened my own workshop. In this new space, I started creating, drawing inspiration from the family tradition, and the Sifnian pottery tradition without feeling restricted by them. My goal has always been to be creative and discover new things every day, because that is how I can express myself. Clay as a material enables me to do that.
How does your craft relate to the region you live in?: Sifnos has an important tradition and history in pottery due to its soil, which is rich in clay and makes the Sifnian clay fire resistant. This fact led the Sifnians to become potters and create cooking utensils with forms of their own inspiration since ancient times. To this day, I still make my own clay with Sifnian soil. The process is laborious, but I like to be in touch with the roots of my place. That is also why I still make traditional Sifnian kitchen utensils with Sifnian clay.
Where do you draw inspiration from?: I am inspired mainly by my surroundings, the blue of the sea and the sky. I use earthy colours most of the times. I also get inspiration from forms and techniques of ceramic art from other countries.

Giannis Apostolidis is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2000