A Minute with ….Souzana Petri, ceramicist – metal worker

Where do you live and with whom?
I live in Nicosia with my partner and our cat, Ziggy.

What did you have for breakfast?
Oats with blueberries and peanut butter.

Describe your perfect day
It’s summer, I’m close to the beach, and I wake up before sunrise. I make coffee and start the day watching the magical colours in the sky, reminding me that every day can be a new beginning. Then I stay at the beach all day. A friend once told me, “The day belongs to the people who wake up early,” and he was so right. I just love it.

Best book you’ve ever read?
I don’t have a favourite as it really depends on the phase of my life.
Best childhood memory?
Disneyland at the age of seven with my parents. It was the triplets’ first big trip, and I still remember that feeling of excitement until today. Looking back now, I think it was probably the best childhood memory for us and maybe the worst for our parents, carrying three kids around Disneyland and trains all day!
What is always in your fridge?
No yogurt, no life.
What music are you listening to in the car at the moment?
Lex – Antigonidon.
What’s your spirit animal?
A bird and more specifically, a sparrow. Sparrows represent joy, simplicity, resilience and finding meaning in small things. They also value community and belonging, which are characteristics and qualities in life that are very important for me

What are you most proud of?
That I’m making a living out of my art.

What movie scene has really stayed with you?
From the movie A Street Cat Named Bob. It wasn’t just a scene but the whole movie feeling. The bond between the man and his cat really stayed with me. It shows how healing, loyalty and love can come from the most unexpected places, and how connection with animals can completely change someone’s life.

If you could pick anyone at all (alive or dead) to go out for the evening with, who would it be?
Frida Kahlo, without a second thought.

If you could time travel, when and where would you go?
Cyprus in the 1940s. I’d love to see Cyprus without borders, united and experience our traditions as part of everyday life. I would spend a day with my grandmother as I’ve heard so many stories from her, and I’d love to make her my friend. I’d walk around, experience the professions of Cyprus, the neighbourhood of my studio and the simplicity of life.

What is your greatest fear?
Breaking my hands and not being able to practice my art.
What would you say to your 18-year-old self?
Anxiety is your worst enemy, learn how to control it. I’m still trying to!

Name the one thing that would stop you dating someone.
Being a fascist. Full stop.

If the world is ending in 24 hours, what would you do?
I’d throw a party for the people I love the most. Dance until the very last minute of our existence and say goodbye with a big group hug.

Petri focuses on ceramics, pottery, interactive education, management and reviving tradition. She is managing cultural events during the Cyprus Presidency of the European Council in the first half of 2026 at the deputy culture ministry. Her work can be seen at her Nicosia studio on Ermou street. Social media links: Insta: Souzana Petri, Website: www.souzanapetri.com