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ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
culture
An Ode to Ceramic Art What was your overall objective when you decided to create this space on

the island of Santorini?
Our goal in terms of creating a gallery for contemporary ceramic art is to highlight
local artistic ceramics and showcase it to an international audience. To attract visitors
and artists from different countries and to enable us to promote Greek ceramic art
More than just the creator of the Sealed Earth beyond our borders and to create a wider recognition for it.
What are the reasons that you chose Santorini and not another island?
Ceramics Art Studio in Athens and Sealed Earth Ultimately, choosing Santorini was based on the beauty, tradition and international
prestige of the island, which also helps in promoting our objective to a global audience.
Gallery in Santorini, Loukia Thomopoulou creates Sealed Earth also has a strong presence in Athens. How does the space in
Athens differ from the other on Santorini?
While the two spaces differ in their function and purpose, they completely
ceramics that are on par with other art forms. complement each other. The Sealed Earth Ceramics Art Studio in Athens provides
an active space for creation and learning, while the Sealed Earth Gallery in Santorini
offers a platform for viewing and exhibiting. Both spaces contribute to promote
Interview by DESPOINA SAMPSON contemporary ceramics, each in its own way.
H aving spent years in a corporate professional environment and in the yourself create and more broadly in the Art created by the artists that you
How important are the principles of sustainability in terms of what you
field of tourism, Loukia Thomopoulou then turned to the art of ceramics.
promote at Sealed Earth?
The principles of sustainability are an important part of Sealed Earth’s philosophy
A creator of ceramic works herself, she has opened the Sealed Earth Ce-
ramics Art Studio in Athens and Sealed Earth Gallery in Santorini, where
and creative processes. Clay is a natural material which allows us to create projects
many artists congregate to learn about creating visual ceramic art. By speak-
environment. We recycle and reuse materials and promote a conscious approach to
ing exclusively with her, we discover a new wondrous world in creativity.
What lies behind your choice to display ceramic art? What is your vision with a reduced ecological footprint and contribute to the preservation of the natural
resource use. In addition, through our exhibitions and events, we promote artists
for this art medium? who highlight environmental sustainability and social sensitivity issues through
Ceramic art is an extremely expressive and multidimensional type of art. Combining their works. We promote awareness of the importance of sustainability through art.
technical dexterity with creative expression, it offers unlimited possibilities. My vision Can you tell us which part of Athens has inspired you in your artistic career?
is that it be recognized as an important and innovative art genre both nationally and The Athens National Archaelogical Museum. 
internationally. This is why my aim is to promote contemporary Greek ceramics
as a dynamic art form that combines traditional techniques with contemporary Loukia Thomopoulou creates her own projects and in the same time runs the
approaches and themes. I want to spread my love and respect for the material itself Sealed Earth Ceramics Art Studio in Athens and Sealed Earth Gallery in Santorini.
and create a space that will inspire and support both Greek and foreign artists. In
addition, we are currently in discussions with a great group about organizing the
first contemporary ceramics biennale in Greece, which represents an important
initiative for the promotion of both our country and ceramic art as a medium.
How has this art form evolved from the past together with its utilitarian
function through to the present?
Ceramics have a rich history and have evolved significantly from the past until
today. Initially, ceramics were mainly used for practical purposes, such as for vases,
household utensils and architectural elements. However, over time, the medium has
acquired new dimensions and approaches whereby artists experiment with various
techniques, using new materials and modern technologies. At the same time, the
themes have expanded to include the artists’ personal expressions, social references,
narratives and experimentations with space and form as well as incorporating
elements from sculpture, painting, design and new technologies. OVER TIME,
The vision that we have for ceramic art today is that it becomes a dynamic expressive
art form that combines tradition with innovation; that it becomes recognized CERAMICS HAVE
globally through its dissemination and recognition as an equal art medium that
reflects our times. EVOLVED INTO
Can you describe something about the experience offered by Sealed Earth AN INDEPENDENT
Gallery in Santorini?
The gallery is the “salon” of an old 200 year old Venetian mansion in Imerovigli, ART FORM.
a space that combines history, art, culture and gastronomy. When you arrive, you
almost imagine that you’re in another era, that you can hear the notes from the piano GEORGE VITSAROPOULOS
being played by the lady of the house to her fellow diners. The remainder of the
spaces withing the building have been restored and are now a beautiful restaurant
that has successfully revived Santorini’s Italian heritage.

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