By Rjay Zuriaga Castor


The pot with cocks (PHOTO: Thodoris Thou)

Far beyond the traditional terracotta pots, a Cyprian sculptor figuratively creates an eccentric "Adam", a male genetilia flower pot.

Thodoris Thou (Greek word means "gift of god"), born in Cyprus but now living in a remote Grecian island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a self-taught sculptor and ceramist.

In a magazine "Boys with Plants", he shared that his inspiration comes from Greek mythology, modern pop culture and nature, noting his passion about gardening.

"I've been working with clay since 2006, and in the last few years, have managed to set up a small workshop in Nicosia. For the last two years I've focused on the 'Adam' pot," Thodoris said.

"It started as a very personal project, that our body is basically a container. A vehicle that we have on this Earth, and through it you are born and grow into everything we want and love, like a plant growing in a pot"

He noted that his design for Adam pot is based on his love for plants and the human body.

"I am focused on the male form and its beauty, firstly because I am more accustomed to it, and second because I believe that penises especially are under-used in the field of art- Why does the exhibition of male nudity remain the last taboo in the arts? Men's genitals are so unique, there are so many shapes, sizes, colors," the Cyprian sculptor said.

"I'm also an 'intactivist' , which means I'm against involuntary, nontherapeutic genital modification, such as infant male circumcision. That's why lots of my 'Adams' are intact, with foreskins," he added.

He also revealed that some of his sculptures pots are also custom made, based on real clients. And to make it more challenging and inspiring, the genitalia reminiscent are based on real models.

"There are a significant number of men out there who like to pose for art, and it makes me happy to see that men are starting to feel comfortable and free about their bodies and genitals. It helps a lot in my work, especially with this specific project. Lots of bearded muses out there," he said.

All Thodoris' sculptures are made by hand, either with terracotta or stoneware clay, and then fired in a ceramic kiln. It doesn't follow a particular pattern or use molds.

"The relationship between my hands and the clay, the natural inclination to form. shape and, finally, creating something from the soil is inevitable and at the same time magical."

To achieve the exquisite 'Adam', Thodoris uses different hand building techniques, mostly a combination of coil, carving, sculpting, pounding, and squishing.

His tour de force starts with a rolledout, flat, and wet or moist pieces of clay, then cut each individual piece into shapes and connect or formed onto the torso.

Thodoris Thou's outlandish 'Adams' can be used as separate works of art, as sculptures, vases or planters.


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