Santorini’s Master Potter on the Timeless Art of Greece
-
Loading... - Marcel Fabre
- 02 Dec 2024
- 60 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
The story of Andreas Makaris, a fifth-generation potter living and working on the Greek island of Santorini, is a vivid testament to the enduring art of ceramics in Greece. With roots deeply embedded in the country's rich cultural and artistic history, Makaris continues a craft that has been practiced for thousands of years, blending ancient traditions with contemporary creativity.
Makaris’ Journey: From Athens to Santorini
Born into a family of potters, Makaris was practically raised in a pottery studio. He learned the art from his father and grandfather, later formalizing his training at the School of Ceramics in Athens, where he also taught for many years. In 1985, seeking a simpler life, he moved to Santorini with his wife Christy, where he has lived ever since, maintaining a studio and even cultivating a vineyard.
Preserving a Legacy
Makaris’ studio, Choma kai Nero (Earth and Water) Art Pottery Studio, in Megalochori, reflects the timeless essence of Greek ceramics. His amphorae, inspired by ancient designs, highlight the unbroken lineage of this art form. While honoring tradition, Makaris has also embraced modern techniques, winning awards for innovative designs that remain rooted in the aesthetics of ancient Greece.
Makaris emphasizes the difficulty of pottery, particularly working with the wheel, which requires strength, precision, and an intuitive connection with the material. Despite the challenges, he is committed to teaching, welcoming students from Greece and abroad to learn the craft, whether as a hobby or a professional pursuit.
Challenges in Greek Ceramics
While Greece's pottery tradition is ancient and illustrious, the lack of formal educational institutions dedicated to ceramics is a concern. Makaris laments the absence of a national school for this art, particularly in a country where ceramics are deeply intertwined with its cultural DNA. He highlights how students often had to travel abroad for advanced studies but takes pride in having trained a new generation of internationally recognized ceramicists.
The Future of Greek Pottery
Makaris remains optimistic about the future of Greek pottery, noting that the country’s natural environment, history, and artistic temperament provide a fertile foundation for creativity. He encourages blending tradition with innovation, ensuring that the craft evolves while retaining its historical essence. However, he also poses a poignant question about the sustainability of this heritage: “All went well, but what do we do now?”
Santorini, with its dramatic volcanic landscapes and vibrant cultural life, serves as both a backdrop and an inspiration for Makaris’ work. The island’s natural beauty, combined with its ancient history, makes it an ideal home for an artist deeply connected to the past yet actively shaping the future.
In preserving and modernizing the art of ceramics, Makaris exemplifies the resilience and creativity of Greek islanders, ensuring that this timeless craft continues to inspire generations to come.
