From Parisian Runway to Pottery Wheel: Discovering the Whimsical World of Lola Mayeras

A captivating blend of 60s nostalgia and modern vibrancy, Lola Mayeras’ ceramic creations are turning heads in the art world. Her journey, a fascinating leap from the high-pressure world of Parisian fashion design to the grounded artistry of ceramics, speaks volumes about her creative spirit and passion for handcrafted beauty.

Growing up surrounded by the comforting whir of a pottery wheel in her father’s studio, Lola Mayeras developed an early appreciation for the tactile nature of creation. This foundation, coupled with her later experiences as a stylist and chief designer in the heart of Paris’s fashion scene, would unexpectedly converge, leading her on an exciting new path.

It was during the quiet introspection of the 2020 lockdown that Lola found herself drawn back to her childhood home and the familiar solace of her father’s studio. As she began experimenting with clay, a newfound passion ignited. The fashion world’s loss became the ceramic world’s gain as Lola discovered a fresh canvas for her creativity.

A Universe of Playful Forms and Vibrant Colors

Lola’s ceramic work is a delightful fusion of playful forms, often echoing the iconic designs of the 1960s, infused with a vibrant color palette that radiates joy. Her design process, much like her personality, is spontaneous and playful.

Imagine a mood board bursting with inspiration: vintage photographs, snippets of bold 60s patterns, and intriguing furniture designs all collide, sparking a symphony of ideas. This visual feast serves as the springboard for Lola’s designs, capturing the essence of her current fascinations and channeling them into tangible forms.

Bridging the Gap Between Fashion and Ceramics

Lola’s background in fashion design is evident in her approach to ceramics. She views each piece as part of a cohesive collection, carefully considering how forms and colors interact to create a unified whole. This meticulous attention to detail, honed during her years in the fashion industry, elevates her ceramic work beyond individual pieces, transforming them into curated ensembles that tell a story.

The influence of her upbringing in Southern France is also deeply ingrained in her aesthetic. The region’s warm light, vibrant hues, and relaxed ambiance are reflected in her choice of colors and the organic, free-flowing shapes that define her work.

A Glimpse into the Creative Process

Lola’s creative process is a captivating blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. She begins by sketching her ideas on paper, allowing her imagination to flow freely without the constraints of technical limitations. Once satisfied with a design, she moves on to the creation of prototypes, experimenting with various techniques to bring her vision to life.

Here are a few examples of the techniques Lola employs:

• Stamping and Sculpting: Pieces like the Glove-Vase are first created using a stamping technique, followed by meticulous hand-sculpting to achieve their final form.
• Slip Casting: Lola utilizes slip casting, a technique where liquid clay is poured into molds, to create pieces like her whimsical laundry bottles.
• Combining Thrown and Molded Elements: The Ears-Vase showcases Lola’s ability to seamlessly merge different techniques. The base is created on a pottery wheel, while the distinctive ears are molded separately and then attached, resulting in a piece that marries classic craftsmanship with a modern, almost industrial aesthetic.

Lola’s commitment to her craft extends to her choice of materials. She sources her clay locally from the region surrounding her studio in Southern France, further connecting her work to the land that inspires her. Her glazes are carefully selected for their lead-free composition, reflecting her dedication to both artistic expression and environmental responsibility.

A Legacy Ignited: The Heart of a Family Studio

Adding another layer of depth to Lola’s story is the presence of her father’s legacy within her work. She fires her creations in a trusty 750L kiln purchased by her father over two decades ago – a testament to the enduring nature of both family bonds and well-crafted tools. Recently, she added a smaller kiln to her studio, allowing her to experiment with glazes and create prototypes with greater freedom.

Lola’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing new creative avenues while honoring the foundations that shape us. Her work, a harmonious blend of childhood memories, Parisian sophistication, and the vibrant spirit of Southern France, invites us to embrace a world of playful forms, joyful colors, and the enduring beauty of handcrafted objects.

Explore further:

• Lola Mayeras’ website: Delve deeper into Lola’s portfolio and discover the full breadth of her whimsical creations.
• Ceramic Review: The leading magazine for contemporary and historical ceramics, offering a wealth of information and inspiration for ceramic enthusiasts.
• Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (CEC): A valuable resource for ceramic artists and educators, providing opportunities for professional development and fostering a vibrant ceramic community.