Maritsa Travlou
The universe of Greek artist Maritsa Travlou is full of vibrant colours and textures, in other words, full of life. Working predominantly with porcelain, she has been tirelessly experimenting on forms, techniques and the material for the last 30 years. Maritsa’s multicolored creations, which often take the form of marine creatures like fishes, sea jellies and sea urchins, are imbued with a painterly sensibility that attests to her background as a painter. Having spent her childhood by the sea, her large fish installations are as much about the majestic beauty of nature and her enduring passion for the sea as they are about memory. With a body of work that also includes monumental seascape paintings, hand-painted porcelain lamps, and sculpturally-framed mirrors, Maritsa’s soulful art practice is above all else an expression of the joy of life. We recently caught up with the artist to find out about the things that motivate, inspire, and comfort her.
How would you define yourself in three words?
Creative – disciplined – honest.
A project/initiative you’re most proud of?
My first personal exhibition in Benaki Museum.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
The sea and my thoughts.
Which art/design/style icons you are most inspired by?
Contemporary art.
Which colors are you currently enamored of?
Indigo Blue – Cerulean Blue – Vermillion.
A timeless design piece you own?
Drawings from the series Difficult Breaths by Nikos Navridis.
What’s an accessory you had for ages?
My scarfs.
What item in your closet do you wear the most?
My shirts and blazers.
The beauty product you can’t live without?
Eau des Merveilles by Hermes.
Favorite destination and hotel?
New York – Four Seasons Hotel
What do you miss most when travelling?
My home.
Which city would you chose to live in if you had to move?
Rome.
Your latest discovery?
New technics for my porcelain.
Favorite gallery/museum?
Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
What is on your bookshelf?
Art and architecture books.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Red wine.
