An archaeologist by training, Marta Dervin holds a master’s degree in Mediterranean archaeology. In 2018, she founded her ceramics studio. Initially self-taught, she began her journey with clay in 2016 after gaining theoretical knowledge of ancient ceramic production. Driven by her passion, she pursued several professional training programs and worked with various ceramists to master the skills needed to create unique ash and wild rock glazes.

Her studio is located in the remote mountains of Ardèche, in southern France, far from major roads and urban life. The pieces she creates are deeply inspired by the artifacts she excavated during her archaeological career, as well as by the geological environment that surrounds her. This connection to both history and nature informs her work, resulting in pieces that blend ancient forms and raw, natural textures. Her creations reflect the relationship between humans and nature, exploring the impact of time and the power of the natural world. Each piece is a tribute to both the fragility of civilization and the enduring strength of the earth. The materials she uses, such as clay and rocks collected from her environment, embody this philosophy, as does her meticulous attention to texture and form. In Marta’s hands, the clay she once studied becomes a medium for expressing the timeless connection between past and present, history and nature. While nature serves as a wellspring of inspiration, his artistic vision transcends its mere replication. Her architectural background manifests in her approach as she weaves elements of structure, texture and light into her  ceramic pieces. It is through this fusion of natural and architectural sensibilities that her art assumes a distinct character – a dialogue between seemingly contrasting elements. Through her sculptural forms she invites viewers to embark on a sensory journey where they can explore the intricate relationship between human, nature, and architecture.

1. Where were you born and where are you from ?

I was born in Poland, after completing my Master’s degree in Mediterranean Archaeology, I settled in the south of France.

2. What is your first memory connected to the art world ?

I was really impressed the first time I went to the Louvre in Paris. I was twelve years old, and I was absolutely amazed by the ancient art. It was incredible to see all those Greek and Roman statues… the sarcophagi… At the time, I wasn’t very interested in painting (that came later), but it definitely made me want to go in that direction and study art.

3. Have you always worked in the art/design field ?

Yes and no! I just moved to the other side… In archaeology, many of the objects I excavated were ceramics. Now, I have become a creator.

4. What led you to the design creation ?

Probably by accident… it’s a long story. I was given the task of explaining the concept of ‘relative chronology’ to children at school, and I thought the best solution was to make ceramic pieces myself and then present the dating process. Once I started shaping the clay, I never stopped! But it’s also true that I built my house far away in nature… I needed to reconnect with the earth. It was stronger than anything. The earth is still at the center… it’s just that before, I used to dig it up, and now I shape it.

5. How would you describe your creative process and it influences ?

Like I said before, archaeology is one of my most important inspirations But above all, I need to go for walks in nature…hiking along mountain ridges, collecting stones, observing geology, and feeling the energy that the rocks radiate. I have a magnificent view from my window of the entire valley with the volcanoes surrounding the river… I think it influences me enormously… certainly, I wouldn’t make the same ceramics if I lived in the city. 

Regarding the creative process, the first phase is very intellectual… it happens in my mind, and when I get tired and it’s too much, I start to create in my studio. I spend a lot of time researching and transforming rocks… it’s actually very labor-intensive and scientific work. Once I have my textures, I begin to shape the forms… I always need a guiding thread… never stopping… it’s always starting from zero.

6. Could you describe a typical day of your work ?

I wake up very early, around 6 in the morning. I always take an hour just for myself…Ceramics are a part of my life; I don’t consider it a job, so I do it all the time. It’s just the tasks that may change.

7. Why did you choose the specific materials you work with ?

I use stoneware as well as raw materials, such as rocks and clay, that I collect in nature.

8. What are the technical particularities of your creations ?

The textures… I work a lot on texture as well as glazes.

9. What advices could you give to beginning artists who would like to create sculptural design works ?

Work hard and, not ask yourself too many questions.

10. If your works had to belong to a design movement, in which one would you define it ?

Minimalism.

11. What designers and artists have influenced you ?

Paul Philip, Charlotte Perriand, Toru Hatta 

12. What contemporary designers do you appreciate ?

Jin Kuramoto.

13. What contemporary artists (in any kind of art) have you been inspired by ?

I love Claudi Casanovas’ ceramics for their raw and naturalistic aesthetic.

14. If you had to summarize your creations in one word or sentence, what would it be ?

I could say in French “Parfaitement Imparfait!”

But more than anything, I am interested in questions of time… the relationship between humans and nature… its impact on the environment… My pieces represent the fragility of our civilization and the power of nature. The rocks invade the artifacts, which become less and less visible. This vision brings me peace.

Proust Questionnaire with very short answers (one or a few words) :
(The Proust Questionnaire is a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust. Other historical figures who have answered confession albums are Oscar Wilde, Karl Marx, Arthur Conan Doyle, Stéphane Mallarmé, Paul Cézanne…)