How do you describe what you do?
I’d say I’m finding my way with clay, learning and having fun along the way. Quite often I don’t know when I sit down what will come out, and as they say, I let the clay speak and my fingers follow.
How did you get started as an artist?
I have gone through various crafts until finding clay, from making beaded jewellery, to stylish decorated cakes, to paper cutting and sewing. The start for all of it was the need to release pent up stress and make something with my hands, I just have to make something out of nothing, even if that’s funny shapes from blue tack or the wax wrapper from a well known cheese brand.
What makes your work and/or process unique?
I’m not sure if my work is so far unique enough, since I’m still working through finding what is ‘my thing’. Because I’m drawn exploring different directions, only very small batches are similar. One thing they all have in common however is the joy I feel making them, what Greeks call meraki, which has influenced all my creative efforts.
What piece of work or project are you most proud of?
Haru, my raku penguin is the piece I’m most proud of. I didn’t realise what was emerging until quite a way into hand building it. It’s the first time I fully experienced what it’s called state of flow, could feel endorphins were coursing through my bloodstream. Remember ringing my mum in what can only be described as ‘drunk on joy’ state! Also raku is such an intense but ancient process, with very little changed since it’s origins, which I find grounding as a human experience. I wonder if the Japanese inventors of it ever thought it will be used five centuries later.
When you have the dreaded creative block, where do you get your ideas and inspiration from?
When ideas are hard to come, I either take the hint and give myself a break, or try something new, a new technique, a new shape. That way I don’t feel stuck or annoyed.
What other artist or maker do you admire and why?
I’ve been following Florian Gadsby, his videos are very clear for new potters, and almost ASMR. Also Vincente Garcia for his raku and saggar raku amazing pottery and tips. From USA, I follow Clay Plant for their incredible dripping glazes, Forest Ceramic for the intricate coloured slip casted porcelain carved pieces, and Silver Lining Ceramics for the rainbows and the glitter!!! From my birth country, I recommend Andrei Pandea ceramics and his delicate clay ladies.
Any books on your shelf or exhibitions and events coming up you can recommend?
I’m currently reading Keith Bremmer Jones’ ‘Boy in a China Shop’ and recommended it to understand the person who cries when seeing a piece of clay. Been following the Great Pottery Throw Down from the first series, and his passion for clay just amazed me.
Why is Colchester Makerspace important to you/or and your work?
It’s the space that allows me to play and have fun with clay and other creative outlets like the riso and screen printing, it’s the accessibility, it’s ultimately the people that make it and who I’ve met along the way.
Andreea’s work will be on display and available to buy for the month of January at Patch in front of the Makerspace at Trinity Works.