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Photo du rédacteurLucie Eleme

Journey of a Ceramicist : How I Found My Balance Between Pottery, Theater, and Design

At 24, my life path is that of a young woman seeking to thrive in her passions, navigate the complexities of a creative career, and constantly reinvent herself. From Normandy, where I grew up, to Paris, where I now live, this journey has been filled with discoveries, moments of doubt, enriching encounters, and defining turning points—most notably, a life-changing trip to Siberia.




Through ceramics, theater, and design, I am still in the process of defining myself, finding balance between my various passions, and living life in Paris.


1. Normandy, Art School, and Early Experiences

It all started in my native Normandy, after completing my high school diploma, when I joined the School of Fine Arts to study design, specializing in graphic design. From the very beginning of my studies, I was captivated by the many facets of visual creation. I learned to explore forms, colors, and how to tell stories through visual concepts. But what I discovered beyond artistic techniques was myself. This was a period of growth, introspection, and discovery—both personally and creatively.

I quickly became interested in cultural mediation, a field that allowed me to go beyond the artwork itself and focus on the spectator’s experience. I simultaneously pursued a specialized program in cultural mediation, which deeply fascinated me. I had the opportunity to organize several exhibitions, working alongside curators and reflecting on how art interacts with space. How can we make the pieces communicate with one another? How can we create a journey for the viewer that tells a story? These questions inspired me deeply.

However, this creative whirlwind also took its toll. By the end of my studies, I felt immense pressure and a need to prove myself, which led me to question my path. I was exhausted and searching for meaning.


2. The Siberian Journey: A Turning Point in My Life

At 19, an incredible opportunity presented itself: a trip to Siberia with one of my professors and other artists. This wasn’t just a journey, it was a true artistic adventure. We traveled across Russia from Moscow to Vladivostok, working on a collective exhibition along the way. We did this journey aboard the legendary Trans-Siberian train. For a total of 15 days, this iconic train became our mobile studio.

This adventure completely changed my perspective on the world. I lived out of a backpack for weeks, sharing intense moments with people whose lives seemed so far removed from my own. I encountered realities where people had barely as much as I had packed for this trip. This experience profoundly shaped me. I came to understand the importance of having a home, a place of one's own—the privilege of having a space to retreat and recharge. This realization echoed strongly when I returned during the lockdown, reconnecting me with the fundamental need to create a safe haven.


3. Burnout and Paris: Rebounding Through Theater and Ceramics

Despite the intensity and beauty of these experiences, my final year at art school was particularly tough. I found myself at the end of my rope, overwhelmed by the pressure to constantly produce, innovate, and create. I felt disconnected from my work, and graphic design, which had once been my passion, became a source of anxiety. I ended up in a state of burnout, completely disillusioned with the art and design world.

To regain my energy and creativity, I decided to leave Normandy for Paris. I made a sharp turn and threw myself into another long-standing passion: theater. For a year, I enthusiastically explored this world, but soon realized that something was still missing: working with my hands, creating tangible objects, and seeing a concrete result at the end of the day.

Then a memory resurfaced: two ceramics classes I had taken with my mother years before. That practice had sparked something in me—a fascination with working with clay. I thought, “Why not?” Two months later, I joined the first cohort at the Clay workshops in Paris. It was an intense period of technical learning and adaptation. I was the youngest and had little experience, but I relied on my creative background to push forward. There were many moments of doubt, but each small success motivated me to keep going.





4. Les Papilles Rôties: From Accessible Craft to Ambitious Projects

After completing this training, I launched Les Papilles Rôties, a ceramics project aimed at offering accessible handmade objects to everyone. My goal was simple: to create everyday items—functional and affordable, yet infused with personality and beauty. With each mug or bowl, I wanted to share a part of myself and give my clients pieces that make their daily lives a little brighter and more joyful.

However, over time, I felt the need to pursue something more ambitious and complex. Far from abandoning design, this break allowed me to return to it with a fresh perspective and a new vision. Today, I am working to merge craftsmanship with design, pushing the boundaries of traditional ceramics by incorporating modern concepts. I want my creations to go beyond being simple functional objects; I want them to embody a form of art, a dialogue between manual skill and aesthetic reflection.



5. Paris: A City, a Challenge, and Finding Balance

Living in Paris hasn’t been easy. This city is demanding and full of challenges, especially when trying to carve out a place in such a competitive field as craft and design. Finding a studio was one of the toughest battles. But after much searching, I finally found my haven in Ménilmontant, a space that breathes calm and creativity. This workshop, where birds truly do sing, has become my refuge, the place where I can express myself freely.

Today, I continue to search for balance. I navigate between ceramics, theater, and design, all while trying to understand who I am as an artist and creator. I am learning to listen to myself, take my time, and most importantly, not confine myself to just one identity. Ceramics is now part of me, coexisting with my other passions, creating a delicate but exciting balance.



My journey is far from over, but I am happy to share this adventure with you. I will continue to keep you updated on my progress, my projects, and the challenges I face. Whether through clay, design, or theater, this journey is constantly evolving, and I am excited to see where it will take me.

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