Art as Healing: My Journey into Ceramics

These past years haven't always been smooth--self-doubt, business struggles, and plenty of "what am I doing?" moments tested me. But with the support of loved ones, I'm now doing what I love and building a creative life through my studio, Artegalata. 

It all started somewhat unexpectedly. While art has always been a part of my life, I never imagined ceramics would become my true passion. In fact, it wasn't until three years ago, when I signed up for a pottery class out of an academic burnout, that I discovered this whole new world. Before that, I dabbled in painting and sketching, but it was the calming nature of clay that really captured my heart. The way it could be both meditative and transformative felt like an instant connection. 

That being said, the journey hasn't been without its challenges. Balancing the creative side of things with the business side, managing marketing and legal paperwork stuff (like a lot), and handling the financial uncertainty of running a creative business have all been tough. At times, every decision felt like it came with its own set of challenges.

But despite all the obstacles along the way, my journey accelerated from there. I decided to pursue ceramics full-time, opened a studio space in a foreign country where I came as a post-graduate student, and began to build a more structured brand that would be a projection of my vision of sorts. Through the way, I learned to embrace the uncertainty and trust that my passion for ceramics would keep me grounded. Over the last few years, I've had the privilege of selling my work to people all over the world, hosting workshops, and connecting with incredible people. 

Looking back, there were definitely moments when I questioned if I was making the right decisions (sometimes there are still because we are human beings after all). But I am so grateful for the journey itself. Each step-from learning the craft, to taking that scary leap of starting my own business, to growing through the ups and downs--has been worth it. 

Creating Artegalata Studio

Now, let me tell you a bit more about my chill studio, Artegalata. It's named after a special place in Istanbul--under the shadow of the iconic Galata Tower. I spent many days in a small cafe beneath the tower, watching the crowds of people passing by, yet finding peace in the quiet moments amid the chaos. There was something special, and almost spiritual about that mix of history, bustling life, and human connection that inspired me. 

Ceramics, for me, on the one hand, has been more than a creative outlet-it's been a way to heal and find my peace after a period of academic burnout. It's become a path where I can reconnect with my inner world and find joy in the process. It's also become a way to offer that same space for others. Through my ceramic workshops, My goal is to create a community where people can slow down, share, and grow together. It isn't just about making ceramics; it's about celebrating creativity in all its forms and connecting with one another through the process. 

My journey with ceramics has taught me a lot about myself. Embracing my naturally "messy mind," "I've learned to find meaning in the chaos. And that's why I chose to live and work at a gentler pace, putting genuine values at the centre of everything I do. 

What's Next?

Now, as I continue my journey, my goal with this blog is to share everything I've learned, collection launches, collaborations, personal stories, and more. Whether you're just starting out or have been working with ceramics for years, I hope to offer some insight, advice, and even the mistakes and failures along the way (trust me, there have been plenty!). I'll be breaking down everything from setting up a studio, to how I price my work, to building an online presence, and even the mental side of running a creative business. My aim is to share every aspects of my journey as much as possible, and to help others who are on a similar path and to create a community where we can all learn and grow together. 

But here's one more thing: ceramics isn't my only curiosity. Literature has always been a huge part of my life and academic journey. In fact, my time spent in that world has kind of shaped the way I approach creativity and storytelling. In future posts, I may sometimes weave in some literary insights. There's so much to share from both worlds! 

I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas--what would you like to see in future blog posts? Have you tried ceramics before? Share your story! Drop a comment or message me--I'd love to connect. 

Thanks for reading and I can't wait to share more with you soon!

Lots of love, 

Ozlem