Meet the Creative: Dariane from dada fabrik

Going All-In for Pottery

Welcome to Meet the Creative, a new interview series from The Stress Less Pencil.

As you know, I'm all about inspiring people to pick up a pencil (or other art supply of choice) and discover their creative side. As such, I'm also very much obsessed with other people's creative journey. There are a billion of different hobbies, crafts, and art styles, one more fascinating than the other. How do people get into a certain craft? What was their journey like? Which impact has it had on their lives? Let's find out!

Meet Dariane

Dariane, creator of dada fabrik, creates beautiful ceramics inspired by nature and travel.

Tell us a bit about your background. Who are you, where do you come from, what are you doing today and how did you get here?

My name is Dariane, but most people call me Dada. I grew up around Paris, in the Yvelines, until I was 21 years old. Then I moved to Lyon to finish my studies in communication. After my master's degree, I decided to stay in Lyon because I fell in love with the city. One of the great things about it is its proximity to the mountains, which allows me to escape the city from time to time.

After working in an advertising agency for 3 years, I decided to start my own business to give myself a chance to develop a growing passion of mine: pottery. I started with pottery out of curiosity. At the time, I was doing a lot of painting and I was often frustrated that I couldn't make something more tangible.

So I tried an evening pottery class, just to see how I'd like it.

I immediately loved it, especially because of the many possibilities that opened up to me. I suddenly had the opportunity to make so many things! At first, you may not realize it, but ceramics is not limited to just making dishes; there's so much you can do with it. You can reinvent everyday objects or even create works of art.

What role have creativity and creative hobbies played in your life as you grew up?

Since I was little, I have always been very tactile. When we had the opportunity at the youth center to choose between making bracelets or playing outside, I gladly chose the hands-on activity. I think it's because I'm naturally an introverted and shy person. These activities allowed me to not necessarily have to interact with others all the time.

As time went by, hands-on activities remained a big part of my lifestyle, especially as a way to disconnect from work, think about other things, and de-stress.

How did you get into pottery? What is different about it than the other creative hobbies you've tried before?

I always wanted to try pottery, it stayed in the back of my mind. When I turned 18, I made a bucket list of all the things I wanted to do in my life. Next to skydiving and traveling to Japan, there was pottery. One day, when I was 25, I came across that old list to check off the things I was missing, and dare to try out some new things. I felt it was the right time. So, I enrolled in an evening class to try pottery.

How has your life changed since you discovered pottery?

Initially, it was something I did on the side to unwind. When you have your hands in the clay, you're not on your phone, you're truly disconnecting from the outside world, and it feels so good. Pottery was initially my comfort, my activity to disconnect. Then gradually, I started doing it for 3 hours a week, then every weekend, and eventually, I was thinking about it all the time, eagerly waiting for the end of the workday so that I could get my hands dirty.

I felt that pottery was having a significant impact on my emotional state and making me happier. It had a gradual impact on my mental health. When I wasn't doing pottery, I felt like I was missing something. I didn't have my 'me-time' and wasn't fulfilled, so I was less happy. I realized that now it's a genuine passion, and I can't do without it.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting to explore their creativity?

My advice would be to dare! Dare to do everything that comes to mind. Try many things without thinking about other people's opinions or limiting yourself. To me, that's the most important thing. It's by doing, trying, and daring that we rediscover ourselves and find our creativity.

So what's next for you, where do you want to go from here?

Now I'd love to introduce the world of pottery to other people, to all those who would love to try it! Starting in May, I will be offering pottery courses at the Atelier Folk in Lyon for several weeks. I'm also offering 2.5-hour workshops at my place in a relaxed atmosphere with drinks and a chat. The workshops will be guided on a specific theme like making your own mug, fruit bowl, or salad bowl for the summer, etc. I'm very excited to get started.

Thank you so much! If people want to find out more about what you do, where can they find you online?

You can follow my adventure on Instagram and Tiktok (@)dada.fabrik and you can find my pieces, as well as upcoming workshop dates, on dada-fabrik.fr.

I have known Dariane for a few years and was able to follow her creative journey up close. I love everything she does! I really hope you, too, enjoyed to find out more about her. I'm hoping to be able to introduce you to a new inspiring creative once a month. But until then, I'll see you for the next art prompt in a few days!

Love, Lorena