A ceramic artist who creates with the inspiration of light and shadows

What fascinated you about light and shadow as your inspiration?

It is what makes all things and shapes living. Everything changes as the light moves, and I love to lay my eyes on beautiful things.

You know, light and shadows are everywhere and never disappear, even at midnight with your lamp switched on. But, even so, have you ever reached a phase as an artist where you can’t find inspiration anymore, even with a thousand shadows around you?

Absolutely, so many times. I’ve been struggling to find inspiration for about two months, but finally, it came back last week. I hate it when it happens, but I guess it’s well-needed for some reason. Haha.

Do you sketch or imagine your ideas and shapes first, or do you directly start moulding the clay?

I make some quick sketches, either on my phone or in a sketchbook. But sometimes, I start with clay and just let it lead the way.

As an artist, did you ever have to minimalise or simply the forms of design for the audiences, or do you go all-in?

I usually just make the shapes for myself, but when people like what I create, I tend to like it more. It’s hard not to be affected by other people’s thoughts.

What has been your biggest challenge as a ceramic artist?

It’s tough to always stay true to myself. To only say yes to the things that touch my soul, and sometimes it’s hard to believe in myself, to feel that I am good enough to make a living out of this.

You must feel liberating to have an opportunity to create what you love and not disappear from the masses?

It’s a beautiful feeling to create pieces, and I love to keep developing my expression.

Has nature always been a source of inspiration in your life?

I guess so, I grew up by the ocean, and it’s always been a significant source of inspiration for me.

Has nature always been a source of inspiration in your life?

I guess so. I grew up by the ocean, and it’s always been a significant source of inspiration for me.

You have done some fantastic work on collaborative projects. Do you enjoy working on collaborations?

I love to collaborate with other artists, curators and creative people. Something special happens when you start collaborating with other people.

What about collaborations excite you? Does working on one change your working style and process?

Yes, it definitely does. It forces me to expand my creative space, and I am inspired by other people and their expressions.

Do you like defining your work, or do you allow the audience to see it as they perceive it?

I really want the audience to interpret it. I usually don’t like my things when they look too much like something else.

What was the craziest idea and inspiration you have had as an artist, and how has it shaped you?

I’ve tried scaling my work to enormous sizes and plan to make furniture with other materials. Hopefully, you’ll get a taste of that before the end of this year.

Follow Paula Atelier’s work here