I am Maria Valcheva. I was born in Bourgas, I live and work in Sofia.
I have always known what I wanted to do. For me, what I do is not an occupation; it's a way of life. The endless possibilities of porcelain, glass, and clay give me a sense of freedom. Those materials help me connect to nature, and constantly remind me to appreciate the beauty of the world around me. I believe that a person's true self is reflected in their work, and hence I always enter my studio with positive vibes and good intensions. It is curiosity that always drives me to constantly develop and expreiment.

Education

Sofia Textile and Fashion Design School 1986
BFA Ceramics 1999 – National Academy of Arts Sofia

Work history

  • 1991 Animation Studio Boyana
  • 1995-present Appearances in collective exhibitions
  • 2000-present Various digital illustrations for Dechica.com
  • 2001-present Multiple commissioned logo, advertisement and commercial material designs for various companies
  • 2004-present Freelance illustration of children's books and design and illustration of poetry publications
  • 2004-present Freelance porcelain, glass and ceramics work
  • 2010-present Collaborative furniture and interior decor work (ft. Nikolay Leshtarov)
  • 2011-2016 Commissions for Nestlé Bulgaria
  • 2012 Illustrations for the online educational game I Am Online
  • 2013 Illustration for the website "For You" for the Cross-Border Programme sponsored by the EU
  • 2014 Individual art exhibition in Luxembourg (Walferdange Gallery)
  • 2015 Illustration and design for multimedia online educational games and tests

My pieces are owned by collectors all over Europe, North and South America, Asia, the Middle East and Australia.