Inspired by ancient artefacts and folk art found in the region of the Mediterranean, from Bronze Age Cypriot ritualistic pots to 19th century traditional Cretan embroideries, I destine my pieces to carry patterns, animals and plants, realising a dialogue of earth, fire and living things of our Great Sea across millennia.
Trained to deliver high end craftsmanship in the lines of British studio pottery, my commitment to excel in technical skill is as strong as my desire to instil the narrative and beauty of the treasures of my cultural heritage into my work.
My favourite making method is coiling. Hand-building allows me to shape my forms slowly and decorate them with the clay flora and fauna of my preference in a direct way that no other method can. Glazing is as fundamental as making, hence I experiment and test extensively to discover interesting recipes and combinations of which can cover my ceramic surfaces and complement my forms.
Melina Xenaki is an Athens based ceramics artist. After completing her BA with first class in Ceramics & Glass (UCA, Farnham) the maker moved to London to complete her two year Masters Degree at the Royal College of Art where she was taught by Martin Smith, Felicity Aylieff and Alison Britton (2012-2014). Following her graduation she spent 6 years in London making works at her studio in Dalston and travelling accross the UK to take part in many craft fairs and ceramics shows such as Oxford Ceramics Fair & Ceramic Art London organised by the Crafts Potters Association. She has collaborated with architecture practices to create unique ceramic objects and installations responding to the peculiarities of each site such as the Welcome Bench (Imperfecto, Washington DC, USA) by OOAK architects, whose Imperfecto won the category Best Surface Interiors, custom bench tiles for the Marriott hotel Patmos Aktis, underplates and art plates for the 2 Michelin Star Delta restaurant by Kois Associated architects. She has created exclusive collections for the shops of the British Museum and of the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture as well as decorations for the Louis Vuitton High Jewelry Collection launch events which took place in France & Greece in 2023.
Contact me
melinaxenaki@gmail.com
Kallithéa, Athens