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PAROS ARTS

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

“A SENSE OF
GROUNDEDNESS

IS REFLECTED IN
THE CERAMICS

I CREATE.”

CONSTANTLY CHALLENGING himself and his creativity, a form of therapy. One must be centered, relaxed and in
Todd Marshard went through fashion styling and photography touch with his breath to create on a wheel. This sense of
to become a sophisticated ceramics artist. Clay is his new groundedness is reflected in the ceramics I create and is
creative outlet, an inspiration journey that has begun a few extremely rewarding”. After taking up ceramics, he had the
years ago. He moved to New York in 1984 to study Fashion opportunity to show his work to Donna Karan. “I sold my
Design at Parson's School of Design. While living in New work in her Urban Zen store for a few years which was the
York, he was drawn into the world of fashion and ended up start of my journey as a ceramic artist”. Donna Karan said
becoming a fashion stylist first and a photographer, later. "When I saw Todd's work, I immediately was connected
During the next years, he had the opportunity to work with with the soulfulness of the pieces. I felt like it belonged
Ralph Lauren, Nieman Marcus, Victoria Secret, Coach, at Urban Zen, it had found its home." And what about
editors like the late André Leon Talley and publications Greece? He visited Antiparos and this island became his
including Travel and Leisure, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle summer destination for many years. “Coming from New
and Marie Claire, among others. But when his daughter York city to the Cycladic islands made me feel like I was
was born, he moved to northern California and had the home. I was relaxed, I was feeling blessed, rejuvenated and
opportunity to work at Esalen Institute in Big Sur. There creative. Eventually I realized that I needed more than just
he met ceramic artist Sharon Virtue who inspired him with a few weeks a year and I started looking for a home. That’s
her creative mind. “The beauty of ceramics is that I found when I found Lefkes and fell in love with this village and
a new outlet to help me express myself. Honestly, it was open my first store in Paros.” •
Discover more work on Instagram @marshard.nyc

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