Nestled by the Baltic Sea in Lithuania, Ondou is the ceramic studio of artist Greta Rekštytė. The name “Ondou,” from the Samogitian word for “water,” reflects both the element’s role in shaping clay and the quiet influence it has on my process. Like water, my approach embraces fluidity, patience, and a dance between precision and imperfection.

Each piece is crafted slowly and intentionally, with sustainability at its core. I work in small batches, letting the rhythm of the studio follow the pace of the hands. The result is a collection of functional vessels and sculptural objects that enrich everyday rituals and hold presence in a space.

My work is guided by material, not mold. I use traditional handbuilding techniques — especially the Japanese kurinuki method, in which a form is carved from a solid block of clay. For me, kurinuki is more than a technique: it is a way of thinking. Removing the unnecessary, imagining what remains and letting empty space hold as much meaning as form turns each piece into a dialogue with the clay. Even when I work with other handbuilding methods, this same philosophy of listening to the material guides the process, allowing each object to emerge with its own character. Many forms are left partially unglazed to reveal the material’s raw qualities — its marks and cracks. Imperfection is not corrected, but embraced — a reflection of both knowledge and a willingness to break the rules.

Before founding Ondou, I worked across creative fields — from fashion and art direction to branding and design. A long-standing interest in fine art, particularly abstract painting, continues to shape my visual language through clay. My ceramics journey began in Berlin, learning from artists around the world, but returning to the Baltic coast brought new depth. Here, surrounded by wild landscapes, I began incorporating wild clays and developed a slower, more grounded approach.

Ondou’s focus is on creating timeless objects that transcend trends. Made from durable stoneware and high-fired for strength, each piece is meant to age gracefully — gathering traces of use and becoming more personal over time. Whether styled at home, collected as sculpture, or used in everyday rituals, these objects are designed to live with you — quietly shaping their space and inviting a slower, more attentive way of being.

With greetings from the sea, 

Greta | Ondou