subcultalk with Ceramicist Marina Mendonça from Santa Maria Island, Azores, Portugal

This time, we had the pleasure to do a subcultalk with Ceramicist Marina Mendonça. Marina decided to leave Portugal's big city life and trade it for the island life on the Azores.

Find out how she is spending her days there and why and how she's prioritizing inner peace in her life.

1. What’s the art you’re doing?

Right now, I'm working on my "monstrinhos" (little monsters) and their new shapes. I had a phase where I drew a lot, and now it's time to put all those ideas into practice. Also, I like the idea of getting those drawings into postcards...working on that too. And recently I did some glaze tests, for a new tableware collection, with different designs, and colors. 

2. What’s your favorite feeling?

I like it when I'm reading a book and I learn something from it, like different cultures, and other countries. Another thing is to be in the sea.
Last but not least, the satisfaction I get from taking stuff from the kiln. 

Saudade (= Longing).

Really early in the morning. I like to get up without a hurry, have breakfast with my life partner, and take my time to smell our garden. Seeing the sunlight in the morning on the mountain is one of the most wonderful images we can get on the island. I enjoy getting a big cup of coffee to start my work. 

Losing my conquered peace.

6. What’s the feeling you like the least? 

7. What makes you feel most alive?

In the sea, it's definitely where I get that feeling.

8. What inspires you most?

Old books of tales and myths of Islands. I also adore old decoration and design magazines from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. A book or a movie can be, most times, my inspiration. 

9. What do you do when you feel sad?

10. Your favorite guilty pleasure?

There's no guilt in pleasure. 



Thanks for your time and for sharing your wisdom, Marina!

You can meet and create with Marina in real life at her home and ceramic studio on Santa Maria Island, Azores, Portugal. For more information about her Pottery Workshops, please click here. 

Until next time,
Kat and Team subcultours