Interview :HEARTSHAPEDCREATIONS from GREECE /Travelling Around Europe with great Artisans

I have just started an interview series which is about travelling arround EUROPE, meet great creative artisans, learn more about them and their amazing countries!

Our first destination is our neighbour country Amazing GREECE!

We are going to Athens to meet with Maria from heartshapedcreations.etsy.com

She is a great polymer clay artist, she makes so pretty and cute polymer clay creations and her motto is “"Clay creations made from the heart"

Angel Piglet With Golden Wings Pendant

Let’s learn more about Maria and her great Country!

Tell us a bit about yourself, your daily routine:
I usually wake up at 09:00 and when I don’t have lessons (I study to get my Master’s degree in Business Administration), I study, spend time in Etsy or make my new crafting ideas come to life.
Your horoscope:
I’m a Scorpio! It’s funny coz everytime I mention my sign, people tend to freak out :-D I guess, Scorpios have a reputation of being rather “difficult” and some people react negatively towards Scorpios, coz they might have been stung in the past by one. Personally, I’m a nice and easy-going Scorpio unless you try to harm me or the people I care the most, then my sting is ready and armed :-D
Your favorite foods: 
 I’m very fond of pasta, home-made pizza and any kind of salads. Your favorite music:
I have always been listening mostly to Rock music. During the past few years, I listen to symphonic/rock metal, ambient and Celtic music.
Your favorite films:
There are lots of films that have engraved in my memory over the years. Some of my most beloved movies are: The LOTR Trilogy, Pan’s Labyrinth, Seven, The Phantom Of The Opera, Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, Coppola’s Dracula, Interview With A Vampire. I’m also very fond of cartoons… Ice Age, Ratatouille and Finding Nemo are among my favs.
The most thing you like? - the most thing you hate ?
 I hate hypocrisy in people, egoism and those individuals who approach the others in order to gain something. People who are true, respect themselves and the others are traits that I always appreciate

You are from an amazing Country, Could you give us TOP 10 Reasons to visit Amazing GREECE ? We would like to hear your recommendations, please be our guide :- )

Thank you!!! :-) Here are 10 reasons why someone should visit Greece:

Parthenon

1) Greece offers beautiful holiday destinations both in the summer and in the winter time that can be equally enjoyed whether you are traveling with your family or friends

2) To visit the numerous archeological sites

Heredos_Atticus                                                       Erextheion

 3) Greece is the birthplace of democracy and the Olympic Games

4) For the natural beauty of our country. Especially in the summer, having vacation in one of the many Greek islands will be a cherished memory that will stay with you forever

5) The hospitality and friendliness of the people

6) The delicious food

7) The warm and sunny climate

8) The nightlife

9) To watch theatre and music shows

10) To discover why so many people have fallen in love with Greece and would like to visit it again and again :-D

Great information about Greece, thank you Maria! Let's talk about your art...

What is your artistic medium?
Polymer Clay

Angel Bear Hanging Ornament

Where can your art be seen?

My work can be found in my Etsy Shop: http://www.heartshapedcreations.etsy.com/

And galleries with my work can be seen in the following sites:

http://heartshapedcreations.deviantart.com/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/39911550@N06/  

When and how did you first become interested in your medium?
I started working with clay a few years ago, completely by accident, as I came across this medium in a craft-store. That strong urge to buy some blocks of clay and experiment is something that I can’t explain even to this very day.

Did you have a formal training in the arts or attend art courses?

 No, never

What do you enjoy most about working with your medium?
First of all, I’m always excited with how ideas form into my head. There are many times when I have a brainstorming right before I go to bed. I usually take notes on my cell-phone or in a little notepad that I keep next to me before I sleep. Then, what I truly enjoy is creating something from a zero point. A little piece of clay can be magically turned into anything you can think of. This is what I love the most…seeing a shapeless material that is given life by working with your heart and soul to transform it into something.

Summer Bunny Polymer Clay Figure

Where do you find your inspirations for what you create?

My inspiration mostly comes from nature, animals and fantasy creatures

 Baby Seals And Penguin Polymer Clay Figure              Spring Witch Polymer Clay Figure

Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations:

My favourite creation is a little white sheep that was the first one I ever made. It has been my mascot ever since and that little guy always finds a place near me whenever I work to give me inspiration

Sheep Magnet Polymer Clay figurine

Would you please tell about your creative space and studio set-up?

Generally, I wish my working space to be as tidy as possible. I can’t concentrate or feel relaxed when there is mayhem around me :-) I want to be able to have everything I need within reach, therefore I have small boxes where I keep my blocks of clay, my beads etc, etc. I usually prefer a room that is well lit by natural light and I tend to listen to peaceful and soothing music while I work.

What advise would you give someone starting out in this medium?

As with everything new, it requires a lot of patience and practice. At first, the results may not look very satisfactory, but if it’s something you really want to do and put a lot of effort and time, you will start feeling more and more content by the outcome as you go on.

Anything else you wish to share?

I wanted to thank Sebnem for honoring me with this wonderful interview. It has been a real pleasure! Thank you!

-Thank YOU so much dear MARIA for this beautiful interview, and for sharing your artistic journey and great information and pics about Amazing GREECE!