2019 AWARD WINNER | University of Brighton

Sofia Christoforou

BA Hons- 3D Design and craft | University of Brighton

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1. Tell us about yourself, your work, and your career path so far.

My name is Sofia and I am originally from Cyprus. Before starting my degree course and before starting to work with ceramic my biggest passion was painting. I experimented with lots of materials and ideas but one of the main themes that always interested me was the human body and mind. My current ceramic work is influenced by the subconscious mind and what lies beyond the surface. Thus, each piece I create hides its own symbolisms and those can reveal each one’s unique story. I want my work to be engaging, not just simple objects but objects that people can interact with and explore. I believe that this year was very crucial in developing my confidence in making and my aim is to keep on pushing myself to learn more and evolve as a person and a maker.

2. Describe your first encounter with clay?

The first time I touched clay was in the first year of my degree, in the ceramic rotation week. I remember being fascinated with how easily you can form and manipulate it and the countless possibilities of what clay can become. My first ceramic objects were tiny organic forms that looked like a combination of flowers and shells!

3. Why did you choose ceramics?

I chose ceramics because I loved how easily it can be transformed and manipulated into any kind of shape and then once you fire it, it petrifies and becomes a rock-solid object! Also, I like challenges, I remember that I wanted push myself to make bigger and bigger ceramic object each year. But I think one of the most important reason it’s because working with clay feels very therapeutic. I am a very anxious person and I overthink a lot and I found a way to transform these worries into energy that goes towards my making and once I touch the clay every worry turns into inspiration!

4. Where do you find inspiration? Places, people, objects, music...

I find inspiration from almost everything around me, but my main sources are nature and humans. I am curious about the unexplainable things. How we are connected to the Nature and what’s beyond what we see. I can get inspired by simple conversation I have with someone or just by watching the wind moving through a tree. Thoughts and ideas pop very randomly in my head! Also, what inspires and intrigues me are the various ways people engage with objects how they approach them and how they react to the unexpected, and that is why my work tends to be quite interactive.

5. What are the tools of your trade that you can't do without?

Umm!! That’s difficult! As funny as it sounds one of my favourite tools is my small red plastic kidney! I refuse to let me leave my sight. I found that really helpful when I want to smooth my slabs as I build them on top of each other and I always use it when I want to manipulate the shape of my vessels. Another equipment that I found it extremely helpful is the slab roller since it made my life so easy and it’s so much quicker than doing it by hand! Last but not least, my modelling/carving tools and my small brushes that I use to paint the stains and underglazes, these tools have become the extensions of my hands!

6. What is a typical day in the studio like?

I usually go in early in the morning before it gets too crowded. I choose my music and they start by rolling my slabs of clay. I go through my research and I decide roughly which form to create by starting with the base. The base is the only shape I plan ahead, the rest comes intuitively! I spend the day gradually building my shapes and choosing the object I will put inside. I place the objects inside and I paint them with stains and underglazes and then I carry on building the walls. At some point I have to stop and let it dry a bit before I start adding more slabs on top but that is usually really late in the afternoon where I wrap them up and go home! That is usually my typical day when I start building a vessel from scratch, but each day is different with new challenges, different shapes and ideas!

7. What do the next 12 months have in store for you?

For the next 12 month I am planning on having a small break from universities and ‘education’! I will be open to any opportunities, but my rough plan is to go back home in Cyprus and hopefully start making a new body of work in both ceramics and paintings! I will work part-time and try to organise my own solo exhibition back home which will take lots of work! I also want to find some time to travel a bit and meet new artists /designers and apply for jobs and MA-courses abroad!

8. What advice do you have for those currently studying ceramics in further education?

My advice will be to stop overthinking and start making! Find what you’re really passionate about and don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes! Ceramics is a long process and can be very tricky- frustrating yet wonderful at the same time! But this is the only way we truly learn by making mistake and moving away from our comfort zone! Try to get out there and show your work and remember that what usually matters in not what people have to say about your work but what you have to give and teach people through your creative practice!