HEERA ALAYA

IN CONVERSATION

“When you buy my pottery, you also take the environment
and the exchange you have with me, the artist.”

ANNE LOUISE MARGERIT
Ceramist, FR

February 29th, 2024

Heera Alaya: Your soft-hued colour palette bathes me with tranquillity and mellowness. To what extent does your personality influence your pottery?

Anne-Louise Margerit: Oui [yes]. I understand what you are saying and agree with your view. As a child, I spent a lot of time drawing. When I began making pottery, I chose porcelain for its whiteness, akin to paper, allowing me to express my drawings just as I did in my youth. These illustrations are very personal, transferring who I am to the porcelain.

Could you elaborate on your process for creating these exquisite pieces?

I start by throwing my porcelain on the wheel, allowing it to rest before placing it in the kiln at 1000 degrees.  The next step is glazing; I use a satiny-matt glaze and put the pieces in the kiln for the second time at 1300 degrees.

In this particular collection [as seen in the photographs], you incorporate a touch of red.

I apply a pigment—either red or yellow—using my finger [she demonstrates]. The tiny dots create a brushstroke effect.

How do you determine the placement of the larger dots?

I am in my world when I draw, and the placements are organic.

How many pieces do you typically start with at once?

On the wheel, I create about 20 pieces like those jugs and about 20 like the cups with slim stirrers. After that stage, I have a considerable amount of work to complete on each piece.

Does your environment influence your creativity?

Having the right environment—specifically a tranquil one—is essential to feed my spirit. I previously lived in the Alps, surrounded by many mountains and created several sculptures inspired by them, and now I live in a little village in the Gard region.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Nature inspires me, particularly when I walk through it alone.

Would you describe yourself as an introvert who values solitude and finds inspiration in isolation?

Yes. Silence is essential for me to go very deep inside myself. I also need to sketch a lot without thinking. Later, I review my sketches and decide which ones to draw on the pottery. It can be challenging to match the colours I use in my artwork with the glazes I apply.  It is in solitude that I can create, think and plan.

Do you follow a specific schedule when creating your pieces, or is your creative process more spontaneous?

[Laughs] I am liberal with my timing. I do what I like when I like. While the pottery wheel is indeed magical, I don’t find myself at it every day.

Is it more challenging to create pottery or to sell pottery?

[Laughs] Selling isn’t an issue for me; I prefer to sell directly from my workshop. The real challenge lies in producing enough pieces.

I admire your thoughtful approach—from the placement of your work to the packaging.

It’s vital to have each component clean, organised and beautiful. Presentation matters greatly. When you buy my pottery, you also take the environment and the exchange you have with me, the artist.

I couldn’t agree more with you. Using your pieces will allow me to step into your world, cherishing your creativity as much as your tranquil spirit.

[Annie’s eyes light up, smiling]. This sentiment is exactly why it’s essential to appreciate the exchange.

Learn more about Anne-Louise Margerit.

Documentary Filmmaker, USA