About You and Your Journey
Can you tell us how La Poterie d’Aurélie was born?
My work is deeply personal—it’s a part of who I am. So it felt completely natural to give it my own name.
La Poterie d’Aurélie was born in 2021, after completing a CAP diploma that allowed me to start my business.
Today, my workshop is based in Habas, in the Landes region of France.
What inspired you to start working with clay and turn it into a profession?
For several years, I had been searching for a career change after my first job as a waitress.
Clay came up as one of the options. The day I took my first throwing class, I felt the
Did you receive formal training, or are you self-taught?
I began with six months of leisure courses to explore whether I really wanted to pursue this path. Then, I enrolled in a professional CAP program in clay throwing in Tours, at the Atelier des Arts Céramiques school.
Your Artistic World
How would you describe your style or artistic signature as a ceramicist?
I’ve specialized in stoneware and finesse: I throw stoneware as thinly as porcelain, with the goal of achieving lightness and delicacy.
I also create my own color palette, often in soft and pastel tones. Many of my pieces are inspired by nature and may evoke landscapes.
What are your main sources of inspiration (nature, travel, culture…)?
Nature and landscapes are my main inspirations. I also place great value on the uniqueness of each piece—I never recreate the exact same item twice.
Do you work with any particular techniques (throwing, glazing, firing, raku, etc.)?
I mainly use throwing, plaster mold pressing, and slab building.
For firing, I work with electric kilns.
Local Craftsmanship and Commitment
What does it mean to you to be a local artisan today?
For me, it’s above all about being present at local markets and connecting directly with people from nearby. This loyal and returning clientele is a real joy.
Being an artisan means going back to basics
Rediscovering the true value of things and restoring the meaning of hard work.
Are you committed to an eco-friendly or responsible approach in your practice (materials, energy, packaging, etc.)?
Yes, I try to reduce my environmental impact as much as possible. For shipping my creations, I use recycled and eco-friendly packaging whenever I can, as part of a sustainable and responsible approach.
Do you collaborate with other local artisans or producers?
Yes, I have several collaborations with other artisans. I work with Justine, for whom I create refillable candle jars for her company, Douce Lueur. I also collaborate with Maëva, who makes donkey milk soaps—I made soap dishes for her so she could offer complete gift sets.
I also take part in several small local collaborations from time to time.
Your Creations
What types of items do you offer today? Tableware, decoration, custom pieces?
My main focus is tableware—plates, cups, bowls, etc.—but I also have a collection of decorative items like vases and boxes, as well as a small range of porcelain jewelry.
Since I sell at markets, with a strong emphasis on local interaction, I also create many custom pieces based on client requests. We discuss the feasibility of each project together, which also allows me to explore new ideas and take on creative challenges.
Do you have a signature piece or a creation you’re particularly proud of?
It’s hard for me to choose a specific piece, because I love them all and put the same care into each one.
If I had to pick, I’d say my “Herbiers” collection, where I imprint various leaf textures into the clay. I find a lot of beauty in this work because it reflects the richness and delicacy of nature.
Can people order online, or only in person at your workshop or markets?
It is possible to order directly online through my website, with shipping available in France and Europe. You can also purchase my creations in person, either at the workshop or at local markets.
Do you accept custom orders or commissions for personalized creations?
Yes, I can create custom pieces. I discuss the project with the client to see what’s feasible, and it’s something I really enjoy doing.
Daily Life as a Potter
What does a typical day in your workshop look like?
There are two typical types of days for me.
The first is when I can spend the entire day at the workshop—those are my favorite. I can be fully productive and focused in my creative bubble. I usually start around 8–9 a.m. and work until about 7 p.m.
The second type of day is when I split my time between the market and the workshop. I spend the morning at the market, from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., in direct contact with customers, watching my pieces leave to join new homes.
In the afternoon, I take a short break and then return to the workshop to work until 7 p.m., sometimes 8 p.m., depending on the tasks to be completed.
What are the main challenges you face today in making a living from your craft in France (profitability, visibility, pace…)?
My biggest challenge is producing enough, because pottery is a profession that takes time and patience: it takes about two to three weeks to complete a piece, depending on drying and firing times.
The second challenge is finding the right places to sell—this isn’t always easy, and sometimes sales don’t go as planned, which can be discouraging, even if I always try to stay positive.
Another challenge is setting fair prices for each piece, which is never a simple task.
Finally, one major challenge is not losing yourself in your work: pottery takes up a lot of time, energy, and mental space. It’s essential to find time for yourself, because making a living from your craft often requires an enormous personal investment.
And on the flip side, what brings you the most satisfaction in your daily life as a craftswoman?
Without a doubt, opening the kiln: it’s always such a joy to discover a finished piece, see its texture, and notice all the little surprises—because every piece is unique. My other big joy is seeing someone fall in love with one of my creations, especially when I’m there to witness that moment.
This connection with the person buying the piece is deeply fulfilling and means a great deal to me.
Connection and Transmission
Do you organize workshops or pottery classes?
No, I don’t offer workshops or classes. I dedicate myself fully to creation, as I still have so many ideas and projects that, for now, this is my top priority.
To Wrap Up
If you had to describe La Poterie d’Aurélie in three words, which would you choose?
Unique
Finesse
Pastel
What message would you like to share with people discovering your work for the first time?
I want to convey that every piece is one-of-a-kind and represents a small piece of me, created with a lot of love and care.
What would you say to inspire future generations to explore craftsmanship and create with their hands?
If you have a passion, follow it—and always try to return to the essential things in life.