Q&A:
Please introduce yourself!
Hello! My name is Olivia, I’m from France and I arrived in the US 12 years ago. I am an animator by day and I try to get away from the screens in my free time, either by being outside in the sun or making things in the studio. I’ve been potting on and off for 10 years.
Your clay story: when and how did you first get into pottery? Can you remember your first pottery experience? Do you have any first memories that stick out?
I first touched clay when I was about 6 years old… I was going to pottery classes and making mostly abstract things, very organic shapes. I later played with clay at my aunt’s where I upgraded to making pokemons and horses, and after that I didn’t touch clay again until 2016 when I signed up for wheel throwing and handbuilding classes in NYC, and I quickly realized that I was a handbuilding girl.
2 work in progress horses.
What forms do you make most, and what’s your style or go-to techniques/materials?
I started by making dogs and cats figurines after making a few at work with some leftover plasticine from a job. But I also really like making functional pieces for the home, like candle or incense holders, planters or little jars. I’m very inspired by the shapes that can be found in nature - details on flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves… I like simple shapes with a playful twist. When I handbuild I mostly use pinching and coiling as I find it to be the most intuitive.
Little friends made in Bmix, with underglazes and clear glaze.
I poured scented candles in vessels. The glazes are Frosted Melon and Chartreuse.
What appeals to you about clay and what lessons has it taught you?
Coming from a digital and 2d background, I like that clay is very material and volumetric. I love experimenting with shapes and especially having a real object at the end, that can sustain time. It has definitely taught me patience, not to be too attached to a piece and to always expect the unexpected…
Scented candles again, in little head shaped cups, with metal earrings added afterwards.
How did you find Not Another Pottery Studio? Do you have any special moments, or favorite memories with other members / students?
I used to shop for plants at Folia Collective (who formerly occupied NAPS’s space) and after they closed, I drove past the location and saw it became a pottery studio! I had been looking to join one and went in to meet Lauren, she greeted me with her perfect french, and I knew it was the place for me <3
A handbuilt planter in Santa Fe. The glazes on the drops are 2 coats of light sepia and 2 coats of arctic blue.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in pottery?
Trust the process and try things. It can be easy to get stuck not knowing where to go (especially glazing…) but with pottery one has to let go of predictability and just try. Sometimes persisting on a piece that you initially didn’t love can unlock something great.
Leather hard work in progress of the big pot made at Mimi’s building big class.
If we want to see more of you, your work (ceramic or other), where would we go? (If people can buy your work or you take commissions, let us know!)
I post my ceramics work on instagram @bla__studio (opens in a new tab) and my animation/illustration work @oli.bla (opens in a new tab). I sometimes sell on a Bigcartel shop but not currently - when I do it will be advertised on instagram!
