In her Greek studio, Theodora Chorafas transforms clay into expressions of the soul, combining technical mastery with the emotional rhythm of her inner world. Her flowing forms capture subtle vibrations and reflect her belief that making ceramics is a form of therapy that allows her to shape her own emotions through the shaping of the material.
Chorafas’ ceramic sculptures explore the boundaries between matter and spirit, form and emotion. Inspired by ideas of dissolution, expansion, and the shifting interplay of inside and outside, her works transform clay into fluid, organic forms that appear both ancient and otherworldly.
© Courtesy of the artist
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I live on the island of Aegina and my workshop is just next to our house on my ancestors’ land.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
We live on a large estate overlooking the sea and the Peloponnese, and every day is a blessing! Life here is very relaxed: I go swimming in the sea almost all year round, hike in the mountains, meet up with friends in town, go to the cinema…
© George E. Koronaios, The ruins of the ancient acropolis of Aegina (archaeological site of Kolona), CC BY-SA 4.0
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
After more than 30 years, the island finally has drinking water from Athens, which is supplied via a 14 km underwater pipeline. Previously, the water was delivered by boat and mixed with salt water from the supplies. A month ago, the supply of good water was interrupted due to a defect in the pipeline. The tap water is now worse than ever, and we don’t know when the problem will be fixed. The issue is political in nature, because someone is responsible for the bad work, and no one knows who!
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?
Since Covid, many people from Athens and abroad (who work online) have moved to Aegina. This has created a wonderful young and creative community, which is great for the island, but we fear that Aegina will end up overcrowded and overbuilt.
© Jebulon, Markellos tower Aegina Greece, CC0 1.0
© Paweł ‘pbm’ Szubert, Aegina – Agii Anargiri Church 01, CC BY-SA 3.0
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
There is a young shepherd called Cherouvim, in Sfendouri, who makes good cheese, yogurt and ice cream.
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
The Ostria restaurant in Marathona.
© Ostria Restaurant Aegina
© Ostria Restaurant Aegina
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
– Democracy now
– Kathimerini
– Le Monde
© Aegina Island, C messier, Μητροπολιτικός ναός Κοιμήσεως Θεοτόκου, Αίγινα 1400, CC BY-SA 4.0
Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?
I would make the city center of Aegina a pedestrian zone and find solutions to retain rainwater.
One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constrains—which one would you choose?
I would love to live in the countryside, where there are springs and good water!
© Courtesy of the artist
© Courtesy of the artist
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