When did you launch your brand?
2021
What motivated you to start?
I was gifted a one-hour pottery class at Bkerzay in 2020, and the moment my hands touched the clay something in me sparked. I then took a short course with my parents right before covid, and when we heard lockdown... in a moment of spontaneity we decided to buy a kiln right before everything closed. We spent all of the lockdown nurturing what I thought was just going to be a hobby until it wasn’t. I decided that that’s how I want to spend my time working. I felt a connection with the clay and being a particularly manual person, I felt that I finally found my medium.
Where do you find inspiration?
All over, nature, mythology and history mostly. I like making functional pieces that I find myself and others needing on a daily basis.
Why do you do what you do?
As an architect and product designer I found myself envious of the skills and labor of the craftsmen I’ve worked with over the years. I am fascinated and admire their work and patience so much. knowing that whatever we design would not be possible without them, I felt that ceramics bridged that gap I felt for myself between design and production.
How did you discover your art / inclination towards that specific art?
Ive always been creative. Something that was always nurtured by my parents. Both of them are also creative. We each have our skills and styles and forteys. Growing up Sundays were for making whatever it was that I was making at the time and then I grew a bit and it went from Sundays to all days.
What made you pursue it?
My husband, he encouraged me, getting me my first orders and giving me the courage and support to do this full time.
In a time where a lot of people left Lebanon, why do you choose to stay?
I chose to stay but sadly I had to leave to be in the same country as my husband. It hurts but he’s worth it.
Describe how art is important to society
Art is very important. When a society is doing well it flourishes, it takes emerging thoughts and technologies to different places never thought of by the creators. However, when a society is failing it becomes a necessity. It becomes the voice of the people unheard, it innovates into bettering their world not just to change it.
How has your style changed overtime?
It has changed, and will keep changing the same way I as a person change. It could vary from a new skill I learnt, to new inspiration, to different needs around me.
What is the main thing you want people to know about you or your work?
It is made with love and care. No two items are very the same and there’s value in that.
What are some of your struggles in your line of work?
Streamlining work is hard when it comes to handmade stuff, things always take longer than you would like them to, so patience is key. And opening the kiln is always touch and go, you never know what’s going on behind that door until you open it.
What would your advice be for someone who wants to start their own brand?
Do it! Don’t be afraid of the blank canvas just go for it. And don’t think you have to have every little thing figured out from the start because there’s always room for growth and change. It takes courage.
What do you think is are some challenges that affect you the most with your work?
Right now, it’s not having my own kiln so that means not being fully independent in my timelines which is a bit frustrating. And adapting to my new surroundings and market.
Who are some of your favorite artists in Lebanon/Middle East?
In ceramics: maryline massoud , Adrian muller, karine letayf and natalie khayat
