How Andriana Yemetta Kedariti Uses Ceramics to Hold Time and Echo the Past

Andriana Yemetta Kedariti is a visual artist from Cyprus who has spent years creating meaningful art inspired by her personal story and cultural roots. In this warm and thoughtful interview, Andriana talks about how her journey in art began—starting with painting and mosaics and eventually finding her true passion in ceramics. She shares how her childhood memories, shaped by war and moving from place to place, continue to inspire her work today.

We learn how she balances art with everyday life, the challenges she’s faced along the way, and what keeps her going. Andriana’s work is all about honouring the past while creating something new, using ancient pottery shapes and designs in her modern way. This interview gives us a closer look at how she makes her art and why she makes it. It reminds us how powerful handmade work can be and how personal stories can live on through clay, colour, and creativity.

Andriana Yemetta Kedariti is a Cypriot visual artist living in Limassol, Cyprus. She began her career in the arts through painting. Since 2015, she has been working with clay and has devoted her time to ceramics art. She draws inspiration from the clay’s transformative power and the creative process it entails. Her work seeks to evoke appreciation and understanding beyond aesthetics, delving into the cultural significance behind each piece. Driven by personal experiences, including war and displacement, Andriana’s art explores memory and identity through intricate patterns and designs. She aims to bridge the gap between past and present, inviting viewers to connect with ancient traditions. Andriana’s commitment to learning and experimentation is evident in her diverse works, each reflecting a reverence for the artistic journey. Her ultimate goal is to foster a deeper appreciation for art and cultural heritage.

1. How did you get started in your art career?

My artistic path began in the mid-1990s when I completed my first degree in Fine Arts. While working full-time in other fields, I continued painting part-time, balancing my passion with professional commitments. In 2009, I transitioned to working full-time in the arts, dedicating my time to creating in my studio and sharing my knowledge with elementary students. Since 2010, my focus has expanded to include painting, printmaking, and mosaics, further enriching my artistic practice. My artistic evolution took a new direction in 2015 when I immersed myself in ceramics through courses and workshops, during which I completed my second degree in Fine Arts and New Media. Since then, ceramics has become my primary medium. Nowadays, I am a contemporary ceramicist who loves the process of making unique art pieces.

Even when I had a full-time job and was raising a family, I always made time for art. It was my way to stay connected to myself.

Andriana Yemetta Kedariti

2. Who are some of your biggest influences or mentors in the art world?

My primary influences come from ancient ceramic traditions, especially the shapes and patterns of Zoomorphic jugs from Cyprus, Mycenaean rhytons, jugs from the Cyprus Bronze Age and generally pottery from the ancient world. I draw inspiration from these historical artefacts, reinterpreting their forms and symbolism in a contemporary context. While I also appreciate and engage with various contemporary artists whose work I admire – artists in different fields of arts – such as Nathalie Djakou Kassi, Kansai Noguchi, Ian Godfrey, Melanie Ferguson, Yasuhara Kimei, Nikos Kessanlis, Pierre Bonnard, Valentinos Charalambous and Hambis Tsangaris.

Their approaches to form, texture and patterns resonate with me, complementing my exploration of identity, culture and memory through clay. Earlier in my artistic journey, my influences were more diverse. The Impressionists and Post-Impressionists—Monet, Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, Van Gogh, and Pierre Bonnard—shaped my understanding of brushwork, landscapes, and portraiture. I was also drawn to the work of Greek 20th-century artists such as Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas, Yiannis Gaitis, and Yiannis Moralis. I particularly admire Gaitis’ landscapes for his Cubist elements, geometric style, and the simplicity of colours in his work. Over time, these influences have blended into my artistic language, shaping how I approach painting and ceramics.

3. Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

I draw inspiration from the ceramic vessels of archaeological collections. I aim to bridge the gap between past and present, inviting viewers to foster a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage. Reading books on archaeological findings, visiting museums, travelling, and exploring contemporary art inspire me to sketch vessels in forms such as askos, oinochoe, and amphora, but with a modern twist. I then hand-build the vessels, experimenting with various linear or curved patterns, often created using sgraffito, stencil, and hand-drawing with brush-on glaze. Blending traditional techniques with contemporary design fascinates me. I also draw inspiration through childhood recollections. My work seeks to preserve and reinterpret these traces, keeping them alive through form, texture and storytelling.

4. What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how did you overcome them?

As an artist, one of my biggest challenges is balancing creativity with financial stability. In the early years, I had to work full-time jobs while developing my practice, which limited my time for art. I overcame this by gradually transitioning to a full-time art career, building a strong foundation through studying, teaching, commissions and exhibitions. Another challenge has been self-doubt and the need to constantly evolve. Sometimes, I questioned my direction, but I learned to embrace experimentation, take risks, and trust my artistic voice. The support of my family played a crucial role in this journey, encouraging me to keep going even when things felt uncertain. Participating in workshops and staying open to new techniques – especially when I shifted my focus to ceramics – helped me grow. Building visibility through social media, working on my portfolio, and applying for open calls are ongoing challenges. Persistence and a deep love for my work are the keys to overcoming these obstacles.

If anything, I’d like to be remembered as an artist who explored identity, culture and personal history through my work – someone who valued handmade and storytelling.

Andriana Yemetta Kedariti

5. How do you see your legacy as an artist, and what do you hope to be remembered for?

I don’t think much about ‘legacy’, but I do hope that my work leaves a mark in a meaningful way. If anything, I’d like to be remembered as an artist who explored identity, culture and personal history through my work and valued handmade and storytelling. A part of my work is about capturing the history of people and their memories, searching for traces or objects from the past and trying to keep them alive. My own childhood experiences, shaped by war and displacement, have influenced my artistic journey. Through my ceramic and wall art pieces, I try to express these connections to the past, offering a way for others to reflect on their histories. That would be enough if my work sparked curiosity, emotion, or a sense of connection. More than anything, I want my work to have mattered.

Andriana’s story is one of staying true to her passion, even when life gets busy or challenging. Her art brings together memories from childhood, her love for history, and her deep respect for handmade work. She finds beauty in old traditions and gives them a new voice through her ceramics. Whether teaching young kids in her studio or creating vessels that tell quiet stories, Andriana’s work is full of heart. She reminds us that art is more than just something to look at—it’s a way of holding onto who we are and where we come from. To learn more about Andriana, visit the links below.