Manousos Chalkiadakis

Ceramicist

©Manousos Chalkiadakis

Ceramics in honour of Crete

Manousos makes ceramics in a village near Chania, in Crete
The volcanic glazes that he uses are distinctive
One of the special techniques he uses is the primitive technique called “smoked”

Manousos Chalkiadakis studied Economics and Law but he soon realised he did not want to pursue this course. He chose to express his artistic soul with various forms of art such as painting, photography, and jewellery making. Manousos started learning the ceramic craft when he worked as an assistant at a ceramic workshop in Athens. “The moment I visited this workshop, I knew I wanted to follow this path,” he says. In 1987, he returned to Chania and renovated an 18th-century Venetian ruin in the village of Paidohori, which now houses both his workshop and his home. Manousos’ ceramic work reflects his surroundings. “Almost all of my creations and the colours I create are inspired by the environment I live in, the nature all around me and the place that I love deeply, the island of Crete.”

Interview

©Manousos Chalkiadakis

©Manousos Chalkiadakis

Why did you choose to be a ceramicist?: What initially attracted me was the wheel. The fact that I could use a piece of earth on the wheel and turn it into a work of art seemed magical to me. Also, I love the fact that the raw material I use is the earth itself. This means that this craft is directly intertwined with our existence.
Can you share with us a memorable moment?: During the first three months of working as an assistant in a ceramics workshop, I observed everything that was going on and without any guidance, one day, I sat at the wheel and created my first ceramics. This is something I will never forget.
What are your sources of inspiration?: I get inspired by the environment where I live, my village, nature, the White Mountains and the Cretan sea. Another important source of inspiration for me is ancient Greek mythology, as reflected in several of the works that have been chosen for Homo Faber Guide.
What do people normally not know about your work?: That the craft of ceramics is a demanding job. It requires mental and physical strength. You will get tired, injured and sore. Nevertheless, you will never know the result, until the moment you open the kiln door to see the miracle – or, often, the disaster.

Manousos Chalkiadakis is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1976