On Matter, Place and the Spaces We Inhabit

As Dust of the Earth ‍has come to a close at NO FORMA in Paroikia, Paros, Justyna Borucka speaks with Marianna Paraschou on the meeting of two practices, the material language of the island, and the quiet influence of the spaces we choose to inhabit.

Justyna: First of all, I wanted to ask you about the title of the exhibition Dust of the Earth . What does that title mean to you?

Marianna: For me, it speaks about returning to what is essential. Dust, soil, clay, stone and pigment are humble materials, but they contain immense history. They remind us that beauty does not need to be excessive. It can be found in texture, imperfection, patience and the traces left by time.

Justyna: Marianna, what made you think of bringing Efi Mitropoulou and me together for Dust of the Earth

Marianna: It was very intuitive. When I came to your artist talk last year and visited your atelier, I immediately felt that I would like to exhibit your work at NO FORMA. The Paros Earth works spoke to me instantly.

Bringing Efi into the conversation felt like a natural next step. There is a real affinity between your practices. Efi works through clay, form and the intimacy of the handmade object, while your Material Studies bring marble dust, earth pigment and gathered coastal fragments into circular compositions shaped by the geology of Paros.

The approaches are different, but both remain close to touch, matter and the slow processes of transformation. In Effie’s work, earth becomes volume and form; in yours, it becomes surface, trace and atmosphere. Together, the works create a shared landscape of material memory, rather than simply two separate bodies of work.

Justyna: Thank you for bringing us together in one room. There was a beautiful synergy between the works, something that could be felt in the space. On many levels, we speak through different materials but share a similar sensitivity to form, matter and quiet presence.

It is always rewarding, as an artist, to discover this kind of connection, especially when intentional making and mindfulness are important threads in both of our practices. For me, this reflects the maturity and wisdom we have accumulated over the years, not only as women, but also as artists. I believe this is perhaps what you felt instinctively too: the potential of our works to create harmony within a space.

Justyna: NO FORMA has a strong relationship with custom-made design and materials, so I feel that it is natural that you have a sensitive eye for them. What is the thinking behind this?

Marianna: I believe our surroundings should not be anonymous. At NO FORMA, we are drawn to products that re-examine and revise traditional techniques and materials, bringing them into a contemporary context. Custom-made design allows us to move away from quick, standardised choices and towards objects and environments that have presence, story and longevity.

Justyna: How did my Material Studies series, Paros Earth, fit into this vision?

Marianna: The works felt immediately at home within the world of NO FORMA. They are not simply paintings to be placed on a wall. They carry material presence. The raw canvas, earth pigments, marble dust and found elements invite a slower kind of looking. They bring the landscape of Paros into an interior without trying to reproduce it literally.

Justyna: Paros is central to both of our lives and work. What is close to your heart about the Parian topos?

Marianna: Paros has a very particular strength. It is not only beautiful in the obvious sense. It is shaped by wind, stone, dry earth, sea, light and human labour. The island has a quiet clarity. Its landscape teaches us about restraint, resilience and balance. That feeling is something I hope NO FORMA can honour through the objects, materials and artists we bring together.

Justyna: Not only from a human standpoint, but also from your perspective as an interior designer, do you believe that an intentional environment can support our wellbeing?

Marianna: Very much. We are affected by what surrounds us every day, often without noticing it. Natural materials, meaningful objects, calm proportions and spaces that allow us to pause can all make us feel more grounded. I do not think wellbeing is about perfection. It is about creating an environment that supports attention, comfort and connection. It is very personal and we are here at NO FORMA to support this process.

Justyna: Looking back, what do you hope visitors took away from Dust of the Earth?

Marianna: I hope they left with a renewed appreciation for material and place. Perhaps they noticed a stone, a piece of driftwood, a ceramic surface or the colour of the soil differently. The exhibition was an invitation to slow down and remember that we are part of the same natural world that gives these works their language.

Justyna: That feels like a beautiful way to close. Thank you, Marianna, for creating the space for this meeting of materials, practices and female creative energy.