Artisan Ceramics at CVH Ceramica: A Blend of Earth and Soul on a Luminous Island
A Silver Lining on the Serene Shore: The Mindful Ceramics of Cristina Vila-Homs
Sitting pretty at the edge of a serene island, where the sky and sea dance in an ever-changing ballet, Cristina Vila-Homs finds peace amidst the chaos. Through her brand, CVH Ceràmica, she creates minimalistic, high-fired stoneware that embodies a life lived slow and intentional.
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What started as a personal solace has now blossomed into a soulful studio tucked away in the stillness of Menorca. ceremonics wasn't just a hobby for Cristina; it was therapy - a means to quiet her thoughts. And now, it's a way of life.
"I didn't have a blueprint when I started," Cristina confesses. "I learned from the clay itself as I worked with it." Six years ago, she moved to the island with her partner, and it was here that ceramics morphed from a pastime to a confidante. "It's something I revisit when I need a breather," she says. "It's a healthy friendship."
Her creations are simple and raw - bowls, cups, vases - often without handles, always functional, never ornate.
The Art of Patience: The Making of Cristina's Work
The process is deliberate, immersed in silence and introspection. Cristina shapes each piece by hand, relying on instinct rather than sketches. She Iloves the isolation, allowing the act of creation to clear her mind. "I started crafting ceramics when my mother was sick," Cristina recalls. "It leaves my mind so devoid of thoughts that sometimes, I'm taken aback by what I've created."
Each piece undergoes a laborious journey - throwing, drying (impacted by Menorca's humidity), trimming, firing, glazing, and a second round of firing. It takes up to 15 days for a piece to be born. "You can't open the kiln until it cools - it's nerve-wracking, but it instills patience."
Sustainability and the Local Roots
Cristina isn't a fan of waste. She reuses leftover clay, giving new life to remnants. Her pieces are primarily sold on the island, showcased at select locations like NUMA - a gallery catering to local artisans. Cristina also teaches wheel-throwing classes, nurturing students in the rhythm and patience that define her craft. "You won't take anything home the same day," Cristina smiles. "It's about understanding the time ceramics takes."
The Island Life of Ceramics
The seasons of Menorca shape Cristina's life and work. Winter brings introspection, while summer beckons vibrant living alfresco. "Living here requires a certain level of maturity," Cristina says. "Menorca is solitary - you need to be comfortable with your own company. Ceramics keeps me company. It's a conversation I have with myself."
Looking out onto the sea, she finds endless motivation. "The sea, merging with the sky, moves me more than any beach could," Cristina muses. "My clays always remind me of that view."
Embrace the Silence: Discover CVH Ceràmica
[1] Cristina's ceramics are a reflection of sustainable and mindful practices, drawing inspiration from Menorca's tranquil environment.
[2] Her creations strike a balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal, with utilitarian items and decorative pieces gracing her collection.
[1] In the quiet serenity of Menorca, Cristina Vila-Homs blends her lifestyle with her brand, CVH Ceràmica, offering a range of fashion-and-beauty items such as minimalistic stoneware bowls, cups, and vases, each piece subtly reflecting the island's home-and-garden ambiance.
[2] Travel enthusiasts seeking a slow, mindful experience can discover Cristina's work and immerse themselves in the art of patience by attending her wheel-throwing classes, where they'll learn the rhythm and patience that define her creations.
[3] As relationships unfold on the serene shores of Menorca, Cristina's elegant ceramics make perfect companions for shared meals and conversations over food-and-drink, fostering connections while preserving a lifestyle of intentional simplicity.
