Maria Baleva

Pottery & Poetry

Ceramicist

©Tihomir Rachev

©Pottery & Poetry

©Tihomir Rachev

©Pottery & Poetry

The poetry of ceramics

Maria is a trained architect who turned to handmade ceramics
Her brand Pottery & Poetry quickly became popular
Maria’s studio is part home, part architecture office

Maria Baleva has enjoyed a rewarding architecture career as the co-founder of contemporary Bulgarian studio FUNKT, whose signature style is seen in restaurants and offices across the country. But a year ago she decided to indulge her long-held passion for working with clay. Once she had procured everything – a dedicated space and a clay oven – she swiftly gained skills and pursued ever-bolder experiments. One evening over a glass of wine with her friend Zornitsa Genova – a lawyer by day, poet by night – they created the brand Pottery & Poetry, where each piece of pottery would be accompanied by a dedicated poem. All items are handmade and glazed with non-toxic materials. The brand is appreciated by customers and connoisseurs alike for its unique, vibrant style.

Interview

©Pottery & Poetry

©Pottery & Poetry

What sets Pottery & Poetry’s objects apart?: Most prominently, the fact that all our ceramics are accompanied by a verse. In terms of the objects themselves, I think it's that the shapes are organic and irregular, and the colours are always bright and come in a rich variety.
What are your superpowers?: My strength is my inspiration and motivation. I like to make objects in single pieces or small batches, so I don't use moulds or casting techniques. After the completion of each product, an idea for the next one comes into my mind and this keeps my interest in ceramics flowing. I like to give myself this freedom.
What do you like most about your craft?: All techniques and traditions are very interesting to me. I never stop reading and learning from experienced masters who are an inspiration to me. I am impressed by randomly found original whimsical works; I immediately tell myself 'why haven’t I thought of that?'
What's key to your working process?: I have a rule not to get bored. If I am motivated to work, it guarantees my success and efficiency. The management of the task is also of great importance. When handling ceramics, one should not hurry, all technological rules and sequences must be observed, otherwise nothing will work.

Maria Baleva is a rising star: she began her career in 2019 and she started teaching in 2021