Berina works in a cosy studio – a room that once belonged to her grandmother. And perhaps that is why there is a sense of warmth in her work, like the fact that a golden heart appears after every sip or bite – hidden at the bottom of each piece. But her porcelain pieces are also characterised by clean lines, subtle curves, delicate gold embellishments and a calm colour palette.
For her ceramics, Berina mainly uses the slip-casting technique as well as plaster moulds and liquid porcelain, resulting in smooth, refined surfaces and delicate forms. Her approach to ceramics breaks traditional Latvian norms by favouring porcelain over the more commonly used clay.
© Courtesy of the artist
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I live in Riga. It is the capital of Latvia. And I work as a ceramicist at my own studio, which is placed on the 1st floor of my house.
© asm.blog
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
I have a quite boring everyday life. But in case I leave my address I either go to the gym which is located at the end of the street – called Rīdzene Functional Fitness or to some restaurant or cafe in my city. To relax, I would advise Taka Spa or Espa Riga. But in case you do not want to spend any money, then a nice walk through the neighbourhood “Silent centre” would be nice. Or if you are up to escape the city by train, I’d prefer to go to the beach – doesn’t matter if its summer, winter, spring or autumn its nice to take a walk by the white sand beach and calm down by the sound of little waves.
© Taka Spa
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
For the past years of course the most troubling problem is the war between Ukraine and Russia. Because Latvia shares a border with Russia and our history with it is not enviable. They still have an interest in our country and we have a lot of Russian people living here. When the war started, it seemed very scary to be living here in this location of the world. But somehow after some time passed – I feel safer for now. But anyway there’s still this feeling of somebody breathing at the back of your neck and we have to stay aware of what is happening and how to react if Russians change their course.
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?
Everything is developing slowly, but there are a lot of new places, restaurants, cafe, bars. New renovated parks, old buildings and wooden architecture. And well-maintained streets. I am not actually focusing on the worse. I think everything the government is doing is as best as they can with the knowledge and resources they have. I know they are not perfect and not all the things that made is, but neither am I, and my actions, so… I am not judging.
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
I definitely recommend black bread made by ĶELMĒNI. Brands called An&Angel, Amoralle, Talented. Also there is a market near the neighbourhood where you can get fresh meat, vegetables and fruits from local suppliers and also they have good coffee and pastries. It is called Āgenskalna Tirgus.
© Āgenskalna Tirgus
Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?
I think maybe the special thing about this country is that we have a lot of space for the amount of people living here. Also the woods and the beach are our wealth. I am not sure about if there is anything particularly innovative here. I know there are people inventing ideas in technologies, but I am not getting myself around that information. I am more like a loner. It is also really hard to compare your home to other places. Because you can always really like or even love being some place else but home is always the best anyway.
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
We have a tradition with my friends that on the third Tuesday of the month, we choose a new restaurant to go for dinner. Different place, everytime. Therefore, I can advise a few places. For example B7, Snatch, Catch, Flauta, Shoyu, Ozīriss, Street Pizza… Very interesting place from Soviet time is Mangaļu šašliks. It’s a bit far from the city centre, but maybe it is worth seeing and experiencing Soviet vibes and the meat is really good there. Other than that, I really like pastries at Mīkla.
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
Maybe candle stores that sell Latvian candles. But I think more or less you can get anything anywhere if you search well. The one thing that I haven’t seen anywhere else is pastry called ‘Sklandrausis’. You can find it in some local markets but the best that I have ever tasted is in small village called Alsunga. In summer time they sell them on the road that goes through the village.
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
– Spotify
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
I am not reading newspapers or magazines. Usually I find out about important news from friends or family who read newspapers. For cultural events, I find out either by getting an invite or seeing posts or stories after the event has already happened.
Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?
I would maintain the roads.
© asm.blog
One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constrains – which one would you choose?
I would like to stay here for the spring and summer. In autumn I would like to live in Italy, Spain or Portugal and then during the winter I would go for 3 to 4 months to somewhere the sun shines most of the days and where it is warm enough to stay with a t-shirt during the night.
© Courtesy of the artist
