Marie Colin Madan

Please share a bit about yourself and your background.

I’m Maya, a photographer and ceramicist originally from the Balkans. I grew up by the Black Sea in post-communist Bulgaria, where I discovered my love for creating from a very young age. Photography became my first passion—it allowed me to meet new people, travel, and explore through imagery that inspired me. At 20, I moved to Barcelona to study, first trying graphic design but quickly pivoting to art photography, a medium that felt more natural to me. Those years were filled with exploration, exhibitions, and a sense of community shared with students and teachers.
After graduating, I spent six amazing months in New York, working with a talented photographer. It was a challenging yet enriching time, leaving a lasting impression on my creative practice. Ultimately, I returned to Barcelona, where I’ve tried to leave a few times but always find myself drawn back. As time passes, it feels more and more like home.
Over the years, I’ve blended my love for photography with work in social media and marketing, creating a versatile career. Travel has always been a source of inspiration, but I’ve recently found fulfilment in staying grounded—building a space I love, deepening my creative practices, and finding meaning in the process of creating right where I am.

What first inspired you to channel your creativity through ceramics? Was there a pivotal moment that led you to this craft?

I had always been drawn to the idea of working with clay, but life often moved too quickly for me to dedicate the time to explore it. That changed when I returned to Barcelona about a year and a half ago with a clearer vision of wanting to stay and build something meaningful here. Ceramics became the natural first step—I rolled up my sleeves, touched clay for the first time, and instantly fell in love. There’s something deeply ancestral about the craft, almost as if it’s imprinted in our DNA. It feels both familiar and magical, grounding yet creative.
While there wasn’t a single pivotal moment, it was more like a series of life choices leading me here. A turning point came when a friend who was studying ceramics invited me to explore it further. I began experimenting at home, creating piece after piece, until eventually moving into a larger space to grow my practice. The feedback and encouragement from others, especially seeing strangers appreciate and buy my work, has been incredibly fulfilling.
Ceramics has given me freedom in my creative process—a way to connect with the past while crafting something new. It reminds me of watching my mother and grandmother make beautiful things for their home, a tradition of making that I feel is essential to preserve and pass on. Working with clay ties me to something timeless, a sensory and grounding experience that I’m excited to continue exploring.

The natural world, especially rocky landscapes and mountains, clearly plays a big role in your work. How has your connection to the outdoors and growing up by the Black Sea influenced your creative process?

Growing up by the Black Sea shaped the foundation of my connection to nature. The sea was my childhood escape, a place of beauty and freedom that deeply rooted my love for the outdoors. As I grew older, I discovered the mountains, and they became a new source of inspiration. Hiking and climbing opened a door to quiet, untouched landscapes where I could truly disconnect and focus—a stark contrast to the bustle of city life.
Climbing, in particular, has been transformative. It’s taught me resilience and the art of being present. It also introduced me to a community of like-minded people who share a unique perspective on the world—one rooted in awe and respect for nature. These experiences influence my ceramics in a profound way. Clay feels like an extension of those natural forms—its texture reminds me of the rocky landscapes I climb and the earthy tones of the mountains I hike.
The first time I worked with clay, it felt like playing with the earth itself. When fired, the pieces reminded me of the rugged beauty of the landscapes I love. It felt like a way to bring a piece of that wildness back into the studio. Sometimes, I even collect rocks during my climbs, marveling at their shapes and origins, which has sparked an interest in geology that further informs my work.
Ceramics has become a bridge between my passions—the raw beauty of nature and the act of creating. Each piece I craft carries a fragment of those landscapes, offering a connection to the outdoors and the moments that inspire me most.

You explore various mediums, including photography. How does your photography practice enhance or complement your ceramic work?

Photography and ceramics, while distinct, weave together beautifully in my creative journey. Photography has taught me to observe—to notice how light shifts, how it alters shapes, reveals textures, and plays with colour. That way of seeing enhances how I approach ceramics, where form, texture, and light interplay just as naturally.
Ceramics, on the other hand, is a deeply tactile process. It’s grounding and physical, contrasting with the more screen-based world of photography. While photography captures fleeting moments, ceramics allow me to create something lasting—an object you can touch and hold.
What I love most is how these practices complement each other in storytelling. Photography lets me visually share the landscapes and textures that inspire my ceramic work, offering glimpses of the natural beauty that informs my forms and designs. Sometimes, I even bring the two together—photographing ceramic pieces in outdoor settings that mirror their inspiration, creating a dialogue between the object and its origin.
Ultimately, both mediums feed into my creative process, encouraging me to experiment, explore, and express in different ways. Together, they form a fuller, richer narrative of the ideas and inspirations that drive me.

Could you walk us through your creative process? From concept to completion, how do you bring your ideas to life in your ceramics?

I love the creativity behind the process. I’m still very much at the beginning of my journey with ceramics. Sometimes I feel a bit overwhelmed by how much there is to explore, try, and play with. But I try to let objects appear rather than design them. I love leaving space for an organic shape to form, almost letting it have its own life. I start with a general idea of a vessel, then see where my mind takes me and let my hands follow. I like creating one-of-a-kind vessels; there aren't two completely the same in nature. I like that every piece can have its own charming irregularities and character. I am trying to work on series now, though. I do realize people want sets, especially when making functional ceramics.

Where does the biggest potential for preserving crafts in the contemporary context lie?

The biggest potential for preserving crafts lies in gathering, preserving, and passing on knowledge. Crafts are built on generations of skill and dedication, and there’s immense beauty in learning from those who have mastered their art. Sharing this knowledge allows others to evolve traditions in new, meaningful ways.
It’s encouraging to see a resurgence of interest in crafts, especially among younger generations, who are rediscovering the value of patience and the creative process. Yet, there’s still a challenge—many prioritise affordability over the uniqueness and quality that handmade work offers. Storytelling is key to bridging this gap, helping people connect with the rich histories and efforts behind each piece.
In-person connections play a vital role. Supporting local artists, especially in places like Barcelona, strengthens creative communities and preserves their potential. Ultimately, preserving crafts isn’t just about techniques; it’s about cultivating a culture that values creativity, dedication, and the meaningful stories behind every creation.

What current projects or collaborations are exciting you the most right now? Are there any upcoming ideas you’re especially passionate about?

I have so many ideas I’m eager to bring to life! Lately, I’ve been entertaining the idea of building a small creative space, and just thinking about it fills me with joy and excitement. I’ve also been contacted by a few people about collaborating and commissioning plates, which makes me so happy. As someone who loves cooking, the opportunity to work closely with inspiring chefs is an incredibly exciting process.
Right now, my main focus is on creating and growing as an artist and ceramicist. I’m dedicated to learning, gathering more knowledge, and fully immersing myself in the craft. Building Maya Carves has been an amazing journey so far—the support I’ve received from the people around me has been incredible. I’m really looking forward to seeing how it evolves and discovering where this adventure will take me next.

Lastly, where can people connect with you and engage more deeply with your work?

I’m currently most active on Instagram—it’s such a great platform for sharing ideas and connecting with others. You can find me there @mayacarves. I also have a website with a small online shop (mayacarves.com). I really encourage people to reach out—it’s always lovely to connect and exchange ideas.

All images belong to Maya.