Biography
I am Beatrice, an Italian ceramist based in Copenhagen for the past five years. I own Studio Kefi, a shared studio located in the vibrant neighborhood of Østerbro. During the lockdown, when I was compelled to work from home, I found myself feeling sad and unproductive. In an attempt to nurture my creativity within the limited space of my apartment (a mere 40 m2), I transformed it into a photo studio. However, I yearned for the social interaction and collaborative atmosphere of a traditional office setting. My mind was constantly racing, and I sought a means of distraction and personal fulfillment.
That's when I decided to rekindle my passion for pottery, which I hadn't pursued for a decade. I purchased 12 kilograms of clay and began getting my hands dirty once again. The process of working with clay became a form of meditation, providing me with a sense of tranquility and respite from my hectic daily life. Pottery allowed me to express my emotions and served as a therapeutic outlet. Since that day, not a single day has passed without me engaging in this craft. It was during a trip to Crete last year that the idea for Studio Kefi was born. Delving into Greek culture, I encountered a word that resonated deeply with me during that period of my life—Kefi. In Greek, Kefi encapsulates the spirit of joy, euphoria, passion, and enthusiasm. It embodies the act of fully immersing oneself in the present moment, embracing self-awareness, and allowing life to reverberate through one's body and soul. It immediately struck me as the perfect name for my brand, as it encapsulates the emotions and sentiments I experienced at that transformative stage.
Drawing inspiration from my Italian heritage, I am captivated by the earthy textures and colors that define the Mediterranean countries and their rich cultures. Simultaneously, I hold immense admiration for the Scandinavian character and the versatility of its products. It is my endeavor to establish a profound connection between these two realms. The Mediterranean boasts an illustrious history of ceramic production dating back thousands of years to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. My exposure to the diverse styles and techniques of ceramics from the region has played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic vision and individual style.
Nature serves as my primary muse. Whether I am strolling through familiar surroundings or embarking on new journeys, I am invariably captivated by the myriad of natural elements such as stones, earth, and flowers. I seek to encapsulate their essence and carry it with me. The earth itself serves as an endless source of inspiration, providing an array of colors, textures, and patterns to draw from. The distinctive geological formations and landscapes inspire not only the shape and texture of my pieces but also the colors and glazes I employ.
In a lighthearted manner, my friends often tease me because, instead of returning from my travels with conventional souvenirs, I am more likely to arrive with a suitcase brimming with stones, branches, and local clay.
My primary focus is to create functional pieces that are characterized by simplicity, elegance, and versatility. However, on occasion, I also indulge in crafting decorative pieces that showcase my creative flair. The defining characteristic of my work lies in the use of natural materials that evoke authenticity and foster a connection with the natural world. From the shape and texture of my creations to the colors and glazes employed, my intention is to reflect the inherent beauty found within the Earth's offerings.
I look forward to welcoming you to my clay workshops, where we can explore the art of pottery together and immerse ourselves in the joy and creativity that Studio Kefi has to offer.
Languages: English