POTTERY & POETRY

In 2019, my (Maria’s) journey into ceramics was merely an exploration, a hobby born from a deep-seated curiosity and a humble kitchen table. Without a kiln of my own, my creative process unfolded on a well-worn wooden board that had seen countless family dinners and potato cutting, transformed now into a canvas for clay. My only tool was a small domestic rolling pin, whispering potential through each roll.

As the days turned into nights of creative fervor, my home began its transformation into a makeshift studio. The once pristine gramophone belonging to my boyfriend grew dusty with delicate porcelain particles, a testament to the artistic chaos unfolding. Each fragile creation, bone dry and delicate, embarked on a perilous journey to my friend @petkov.georgi.ceramic kiln, an adventure that required the steadiness of heart and hand.

Taking a leap of faith, I purchased my first kiln with a 1500 Euro credit card swipe. The kiln found its place amidst drawing boards and architectural ambitions—nestled in an office room of the bustling @studio.funkt , where I still worked as an architect. My colleagues watched this alchemy of passion, silently supportive, perhaps sensing the inevitability of a dream catching fire.

Today’s post revisits one of my early pieces, a relic from the days of hobbyist passion before the official venture materialized. To my astonishment, this piece became our most pinned on PINTEREST —a simple trays composition from the Food Stories collection, crafted from traditional Bulgarian red clay. Its raw, unglazed beauty celebrates the authentic spirituality of the earth.

The story of Pottery and Poetry is still in the beginning. Stay tuned for more tales of earth, craft, and inspiration.

Yours,
Maria

I’m Zori, and while Maria’s journey into ceramics began on a humble wooden board, my path into the world of words has been an unbroken thread throughout my life. Ever since I was a child, I’ve secretly scribbled poems, weaving my thoughts into verses. Writing has always been my quiet refuge, and I don’t recall it ever truly leaving me for long.

Maria and I have known each other for many years, sharing countless conversations and creative moments. But it wasn’t until one fateful evening during the stillness of the COVID crisis that the idea for Pottery & Poetry truly came to life. It was a moment of clarity and inspiration—a shared decision to combine our passions into something meaningful and enduring.

Before that, a series of serendipitous events had already shaped my relationship with words. One of my dearest friends, Svetlana Gencheva, had once asked me to write short poems in English for her project. That collaboration unexpectedly grew into an award-winning graphic novel and film, and it gave me the confidence to explore the power of concise poetic forms.

Later, an encounter with the brilliant writer Mila Abadjieva led me to join Tom Phillips’ course on creative writing. His teachings unlocked a new perspective on crafting poetry in English, helping me find structure and freedom within its brevity. These experiences built the foundation for what was to come.

Pottery & Poetry has been transformative. This project with Maria has allowed me to explore the deepest corners of my creativity. Since its inception, I’ve written over 350 poems—a milestone that fills me with gratitude and amazement. I don’t think this would have happened without the unique synergy of our partnership and the inspiration born from her artistry.

For me, poetry holds an encrypted truth. It’s a map leading to hidden insights about the world and about myself. Writing is not just a craft but a spiritual practice, a way to connect to something greater.

Maria and I, along with the incredible artists who work with the brand, are creating something truly special. I’m endlessly grateful for this shared journey and for the creative path we continue to weave together. The story is still unfolding, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.

With love and inspiration,

Zori