My name is Alejandra de Maortua, though my last name has been misspelled countless times throughout my life. “Maroto”, “Mahorta” or “Maoriva” among others. That last one is actually on my letterbox to this day.

Some time ago while diving in the Red Sea, some Egyptian guys re-named me “Alessendra Demarotuer”. I took to this amusing new nickname immediately as it also brought back such fond memories, knowing that if someday I created anything, it would be branded “Demarotuer”.

Like most things I do, I am self-taught when it comes to working with clay. Reading, watching videos and of course trial and error. I often proclaim “I can make that!”, so when I needed a new set of dishes I got to work.

I started on my living room table with a block of clay, a sponge and a couple of utensils. It didn’t take me long to realise I wanted to seriously pursue this, so I got myself an oven and turned a room in the house into my studio.

Each piece I create goes through several manual processes that forge their unique character. I am guided by the subjective beauty of the irregular and unexpected, comparable to splitting a wooden log open and discovering its patterns and knots.

There isn’t a lot more to add that my pieces can’t say for themselves. I hope you like what I do and if you would like to know something that contemplating a mug can’t reveal, feel free to get in touch! I would love to hear from you.