Petros Stavrou

Delikipos Pottery

Ceramicist

©Petros Stavrou

From an udu to pottery

Petros studied Fine Arts but is a self-taught ceramicist
He teaches work on the electric wheel and glazing techniques
His workshop is near Kornos, the village of pottery

Petros Stavrou studied Fine Arts but was not inspired by any form of it, until he attempted to create an udu, a ceramic musical instrument. He immediately fell in love with pottery and has been a professional ceramicist ever since. Until lately, his practice has had a nomadic character, but he is currently putting up his workshop in Delikipos near Kornos, a village with a great tradition in ceramics. He draws inspiration from Japanese, Korean and African ceramic traditions and combines these elements with functionalism and minimalism, creating innovative designs. He particularly enjoys wheel throwing as a technique, and he also enjoys teaching and sharing his passion for his craft with others.

Interview

©Petros Stavrou

©Petros Stavrou

How did you get involved with pottery?: After I abandoned my studies in Fine Arts, and experimented with different forms of art, one day I tried to make a musical instrument, an udu, on my own. Since then, pottery has been part of my life.
What are your sources of inspiration?: I am greatly inspired by Korean, Japanese and African ceramic art. I also follow a minimalist and functional approach to design. Tradition is a significant pillar of my work as in the absence of tradition there can be no innovation.
What do you love most about your craft?: I am truly astonished with the diverse knowledge involved. A potter needs to know about fire, geology, chemistry and design, among others. And then the challenge is to create an aesthetically beautiful and functional item that will endure time.
Do you consider pottery endangered?: I wouldn’t say that ceramics and pottery are in danger. Nowadays an increasing amount of people tend to acknowledge the mechanics and organic aspect of ceramics, as well as the vast possibilities for further exploration.

Petros Stavrou is a rising star: he began his career in 2016 and he started teaching in 2016