Page 132 - EMPIRIA 2023

JOYFUL EXPLORATION I PAROS

“A sense of groundedness is reflected

in the ceramics I create.”

opportunity to work at Esalen Institute in Big Sur. There
he met ceramic artist Sharon Virtue who inspired him with
her creative mind. “The beauty of ceramics is that I found
a new outlet to help me express myself. Honestly, it was
a form of therapy. One must be centered, relaxed and in
touch with his breath to create on a wheel. This sense of
groundedness is reflected in the ceramics I create and is
extremely rewarding”. After taking up ceramics, he had the summer destination for many years. “Coming from New
opportunity to show his work to Donna Karan. “I sold my York city to the Cycladic islands made me feel like I was
work in her Urban Zen store for a few years which was the home. I was relaxed, I was feeling blessed, rejuvenated
start of my journey as a ceramic artist”. Donna Karan said and creative. Eventually I realized that I needed more
"When I saw Todd's work, I immediately was connected than just a few weeks a year and I started looking for a
with the soulfulness of the pieces. I felt like it belonged home. That’s when I found Lefkes and fell in love with
at Urban Zen, it had found its home." And what about this village and open my first store in Paros.” •
Greece? He visited Antiparos and this island became his Discover more work on Instagram @marshard.nyc

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Marshard’s ceramics leave their mark on the island of Paros.