Faces of future students, hands - guardians of the craft, people - sources of inspiration.
A column that introduces you to the future teachers at the craft school, part of the Sharena Fabrika.
Rumen Georgiev graduated from the School of Applied Arts in Troyan. For many years, he worked as a designer of ceramic items at the Troyan factory "Art." Since 1997, he has been working independently and has had several solo exhibitions abroad. In addition to all his merits as an artist, Rumen has the talent to pass on his knowledge and skills in a captivating way. We are happy that he will be teaching pottery at the future craft school, which is part of the International School of Gastronomy & Heritage Crafts "Sharena Fabrika."
You graduated from the School of Applied Arts in Troyan, and you live there as well. Can you tell us about the development of ceramics in this region?
The chronology of pottery in our region is as follows: it first appeared in the village of Terziysko, in the Grunchar neighborhood. From there, the craft spread in small workshops. I've heard that there was a pottery shop in almost every house. Gradually, the craft moved to the villages of Beli Osam, Shipkovo, and then into Troyan. When I graduated from school in 1982, I signed a distribution contract with the 'Art' factory. I worked there for five years. At that time, there were three ceramics factories in Troyan: 'Art,' 'Troyan Ceramics,' and 'Atlant.' Each factory employed approximately 500 people. These were mass productions, primarily of tableware and sets, decorated with the 'Troyan drop.' There was no private initiative. After 1989, the factories gradually closed, and private initiatives emerged.
How did you first come into contact with this craft, and when did you realize that this was your path?
I first touched clay in school. My first teacher and mentor was Nikolay Yovkov. My first assignment was the “coil technique.” That’s where my interest began. Gradually, the topics and tasks became more complex. My diploma project was a fruit set. I had no reference to follow. The set turned out beautifully, and I received an excellent grade. I first discovered chamotte as a material, and later, red clay.
In the video, you mentioned that the teapot is your favorite subject. Why is that?
The teapot is my favorite subject because it is a multi-component vessel with many different elements. The variations are endless in terms of shape, size, color, and surfaces. It offers complete creative freedom. Plus, I love tea.
How has Bulgarian ceramics evolved over the years up to today, and what are the main differences compared to the past?
In 1844, the craft of pottery was mentioned in a document for the first time. For many years, pottery was practiced in small workshops, family-run manufactories, and guilds. Pottery was made for sale at fairs, transported by carts, and wrapped in straw on the principle of "empty for full." Eventually, after September 9, 1944, small workshops were gradually closed, and production moved into factories. Initially, the pottery was fired in wood-fired kilns, but with the advent of electricity, production was modernized. Firing was done in chamber and tunnel kilns. Today’s production incorporates all kinds of technologies: wheel throwing, pressing, templates, and casting in plaster molds. Modern designs have diversified and increased in number, with each ceramic artist trying to infuse something personal into their work. This leads to great variety. Increased access to information has expanded the creative palette.
Where does this craft live today, and what interest do children show in it?
Today, the craft begins at the National School of Applied Arts – Vanko Kolev in Troyan and is found in many studios, workshops, and family guilds. There is a significant interest among children in pottery, especially in wheel throwing.
What potential do you see in a place like the Sharena Fabrika school?
I see potential in Sharena Fabrika because a motivated and curious adult can relatively quickly acquire skills and knowledge in the craft they have chosen. We, the instructors, are practicing artisans and creators, and each of us is ready to give a lot to help those eager to gain confidence and dexterity.
You have traveled to different countries with your solo exhibitions. How is Bulgarian ceramics perceived?
I have exhibited in Kandersteg, Switzerland in 1999; Munich, Germany in 2016; Bursa, Turkey in 2017; and Ningbo, China in 2019, and I believe that Bulgarian ceramics is well received everywhere.
