Embracing Wholehearted Creativity at Cottage Hill
At Cottage Hill, we're passionate about endorsing wholehearted living—a lifestyle that embraces authenticity, creativity, and passion. Artists and artisans exemplify this philosophy through their work, which is why we frequently showcase their stories in our publication. Our Brand Manager Ajenda, who has a soft spot for pottery, often shares her admiration for skilled potters, with Brooklyn-based Helen Levi of Helen Levi Ceramics being one of the office favorites.
The Artisan Behind the Clay: A Conversation with Helen Levi
Ajenda was delighted to have the opportunity to delve into the heart and soul behind Helen's ceramics, offering readers an intimate perspective on her creative journey. Accompanied by the exquisite photographs captured by Stephan Alessi, this interview provides a glimpse into Helen's artistic universe.
Childhood Beginnings and Embracing Clay
Helen's connection with clay began early in an after-school program within the charming West Village. While clay had been her companion throughout her life, it blossomed into her profession over the past three years, marking the transition from hobby to heartfelt vocation.
Finding Inspiration in the World
Inspiration, as Helen describes, can trickle in from various facets of life—be it the beauty of a landscape, the quirks of her dog, or the rustic allure of antique dishes. A fortuitous technique discovered or an unusual reaction within the clay can also spark a wave of creativity for her.
The Synergy of Pottery and Photography
The duality of Helen's talents in photography and pottery creates a unique space where each discipline informs the other. While her focus may have shifted from photography to pottery, she continues to engage with the visual narrative by capturing her ceramic creations, an essential aspect of her online presence.
Authenticity in Artistry
Striving for authenticity, Helen leans on her intuition, avoiding overthinking the creative process. By blending art with craft, she finds a liberating balance, crafting pieces that resonate with functional casualness and artistic expression.
The Joy of Creation
The freedom to dictate her artistic direction and the choice of creations holds immense value for Helen. It's this autonomy that instills in her a sense of fortune and gratitude.
The Pieces That Tell a Story
Although there isn't a singular masterpiece that she treasures above all, Helen cherishes a rotating collection of her works. These special pieces reside on a high shelf in her studio, representing milestones and memories within her ceramic journey.
The Artisan's Journey: A Love Letter to Travel and Craft
Within the veins of Helen Levi's ceramics courses the essence of her experiences, where travel shapes her perception and infuses her creations with the spirit of her journeys. Each piece Helen crafts is a silent ode to the places she's been and the landscapes she's captured with her lens and her hands. The art of turning clay into treasured objects mirrors the transformative nature of travel—both are conduits of change, reflection, and growth. In Helen's work, as in travel, we find the contours of memories and the embrace of discovery sculpted into every curve and etched in every glaze.