Objects made of porcelain, such a precious and appreciated material all over the world, can be both useful, such as plates or coffee cups, and also decorative, managing to improve the look of any room, giving it a touch of refinement. Alina Ana Alecu, owner of the Porphyras brand, talked about her passion for the art of porcelain painting and the wonderful objects she creates with so much dedication to her customers.

1. How was the Porphyras brand created and why was this name selected?

The Porphyras brand (registered trademark) was born 7 years ago, after having the (first) revelation to mix business and pleasure by painting porcelain objects. The second epiphany came when I actually put my hand on the brush, when I realized that I had found my vocation. Then, one night it came to mind the name of the Porphyras business: “por” from porcelain, and the end somehow complicated, Gemini style. Porphyras means, in Greek, both purple and porphyry, an extremely expensive and precious material in antiquity.

2. Where did you start your passion for porcelain objects and especially for painting on this material?

It seems to me that the fact that all my life I ate and drank from porcelain plates and cups also mattered. I think I am accustomed to some refinement, by attending various lunches and elegant events. But to be honest, I was most attracted to the usefulness of porcelain objects (and here I'm only talking about cups, mugs, plates, trays, vases etc., not figurines or other decorative items), that are daily used by everyone. The trigger was when I realized that I could express my creativity on useful objects so as to make them beautiful – in that moment I knew that all those years of drawing, which were practiced only for fun and relaxation, can help me build a business. This being settled, I started searching and found my previous porcelain painting courses (three), which gave me even more enthusiasm, even now, after 7 years, being equally passionate about what I do. Should I also say that the Encyclopedia of Contemporary Romanian Artists will be released, and that I am included there?

3. What do you love the most about this art?

Apart from the fact that I like painting (I registered a record of paining 350 bells in a week), I really love the joy I give my clients – I believe the perception that I put a bit of my soul in every object is unanimous. I like to share with my clients the pleasure of enjoying a good coffee or tea in a qualitative, beautiful and friendly cup.

4. Do you remember the first object that you painted and when did this happen?

The first object is a teapot, which I painted during my first course; it has Venice as its main theme, and it still seems to me one of my exceptional works - I would not part myself from it for anything in the world and I have the same feelings for the 3 cups with a Byzantine monogram for each member of the family, from which we drink our coffee daily.

5. Every artist has a muse. Can you tell us which is your source of inspiration for the Porphyras creations?

I do not have a muse, but I get inspired by many things – I think I'm quite receptive; I like fashion and I inspire myself from materials, but also from traveling, where I see colors or textures that stimulate me and I see them suitable for embellishing various cups or saucers. The latest example is an exotic collection with flamingos, toucans, exotic flowers and leaves, which I enjoyed creating, because the flamingo birds are extremely fashionable this year, and in January I went on an exotic holiday.

6. What are the most frequently ordered items by your customers?

I have two categories of customers: corporate customers and individuals. For companies, the most demanded products are the tea cups with saucers and the to-go mugs (that have a silicone lid), but for individuals, it is a greater variety. I create a lot of gifts my clients offer at weddings, baptisms, anniversaries, gifts for teachers at the end of the year, for special people etc. There are also collaborations with different shops, bookstores or art galleries, the most recent success being the objects-souvenirs painted specially for the Ceauşescu House, which were sold extremely fast.

7. Was there any unusual request from your customers?

The most interesting project so far has been to paint tiles and furniture buttons for a kitchen. I was also twice in the position of designing objects that were offered to the Royal Family of Romania.

Otherwise, I named Porphyras "your own designer on porcelain", because the client gives a brief or short description of his or her passions. Then Porphyras, the design and painting porcelain studio, proposes its artistic vision for the customization of different sets.

8. You customized porcelain sets for restaurants, tea rooms and cafes. How do you feel when you visit these places and enjoy the food or drink served in the objects painted by you?

Honestly, I want to grow this side of business a lot. Last year, we made the first step, creating the Hora collection, in collaboration with a private porcelain factory in Romania. This original collection is made by decalcomania - decorative printing (not hand-painted) and inspired by the Romanian folk costume; although it has been on the market for a year and a half, we have had good sales, because it is the number one choice, especially for companies that want to offer a special gift. Unfortunately, I did not have the time to focus on the relationship with HORECA, but I promise to do so.

9. I understand you're also organizing porcelain painting courses. Can you give us more details about them?

I have organized porcelain painting workshops on many occasions, both for companies and for individuals (for example, expat ladies). Recently, I joined the Calea Victoriei Foundation as a lecturer, where I held a workshop that was fully booked. I come with all the love (and with the necessary materials) if required and I guarantee you that it is a relaxing, creative and ambitious after hours activity, at the end of which you remain with a nice and useful object.

10. Is there a piece of porcelain painted by you that you like the most and will always be in your heart?

In 2012, for the first time as an exhibitor at Maison et Objet in Paris (in total, we exhibited Porphyras' creations at 9 international fairs), I created a model of painted porcelain cup, with a glass stem, that looked like a glass. This type of special object has been appreciated and ordered on multiple occasions, reaching fancy tables.

Images source: Alina Ana Alecu's personal archive