Three Contemporary Greek Ceramists

Stella Bakatsi (b. 1945). After initially studying English Literature, Bakatsi studied ceramics at the Central London Institute of Adult Education from 1974-77. In 1977, she established her studio in Athens, where she makes abstract sculpture and elaborate sculptural installations. Bakatsi has won awards at the Panhellenic Ceramics Competition in Marousi, Greece, in 1993, 1996 and 1997. She has been a member of the International Academy of Ceramics since 1999.

Theodora Chorafas (b. 1959). British-born Chorafas studied at the Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts from 1977-78, at the Centrex for Professional Training (Centro di Addestramento Professionale) in Faenza, Italy, from 1978-79 and at the School of Decorative Arts (École des Arts Decoratifs) in Geneva, Switzerland from 1979-84. In 1981-82 she interrupted her studied to teach at the Desert Sun School in Southern California, USA, and work with Native American Indians of the Southwest. On her return to Greece she taught ceramics from 1984-88. She has been a member of the International Academy of Ceramics since 1990. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek religion and philosophy, Chorafas creates smoke-fired abstract sculpture.

Nikos Sklavenitis (b. 1957). Sklavenitis studied at the School of Fine Arts, Athens, from 1981-87. He has taught at at several institutions since 1990, including the Athens Technical Educational Institute. He established a studio in his hometown of Piraeus in 1985, where he makes conceptual works from smoked earthenware, paperclay and mixed media elements. Sklavenitis, who is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics, was awarded first prize at the Panhellenic Ceramics Exhibition in Marousi, Greece, in 1996.

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