MellonCollie Ceramics - Romania Osaka Expo 2025

Ioana Deak is a ceramicist and founder of MellonCollie Ceramics. Born in Alba Iulia, she spent her childhood in the studio of her father, Ernest Budes, a ceramicist himself and a Professor at the Bucharest National University of Arts, where she graduated, specializing in ceramics.

After a period spent as a painter at the Țăndărică Theater in Bucharest, Ioana chose to follow her dream and devote her time exclusively to her own studio. She founded MellonCollie Ceramics in 2012, inspired by the aesthetics of ceramics and the influences of the Neolithic Cucuteni culture. The brand name comes from the Smashing Pumpkins’ album “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness," a symbol of the sensibility and artistic expression that defines each piece crafted in this studio.

With meticulous attention to detail, each object is treated as a unique piece, regardless of how many replicas are made. From porcelain miniatures to jewelry and decorative objects, Ioana Deak’s creations have been exhibited within numerous exhibitions, bringing the beauty and complexity of ceramics to the forefront.

Proposed workshops for Osaka 2025

In Osaka 2025, Ioana Deak proposes two interactive workshops inspired by the Cucuteni culture, one of the most fascinating Neolithic civilizations in Romania:

1. Crafting Cucuteni statues – Participants will learn how to craft Neolithic statues, following a simple process that is accessible to everyone. Each step will be guided by Ioana and a video tutorial will be available for visual support. In just a few minutes, each participant will be able to create an authentic representation of one of Romania’s most iconic forms of ceramic art.
2. Painting on ceramic vessels – The workshop offers the opportunity to paint bowls inspired by the Cucuteni aesthetics. The bowls will be handmade, either by the participants using a plaster mold, or handcrafted by Ioana and prepared for painting. Each participant will be able to explore traditional techniques and motifs specific to this ancient culture.

Through these workshops, Ioana Deak aims to bring to the forefront the beauty of Neolithic pottery and to offer participants an authentic creative experience, connecting the artistic past with the present.