At Blanche, we are lucky to meet many inspiring women. In our journal Carte Blanche, we seek out creatives to learn about what fuels them. Alicia Tivane, an up and coming ceramicist from Aarhus invited us into her studio.

Q: What lead you into working with ceramics?

I experienced stress blackouts when I was 21, so I left my job to take care of myself. I leaned towards crafting with my hands; painting, clay, furniture...and fell deeply in love with ceramics and all of its depth. I stumbled upon ceramics at a difficult time in my life, and I am grateful that this intervention became my career.

I contacted a retired ceramicist with a kiln I could borrow, soon he became a mentor and friend. I am mostly self-taught, but for situations I couldn’t figure out, I went to my friend. 

Q: What lead you into working with ceramics?

I experienced stress blackouts when I was 21, so I left my job to take care of myself. I leaned towards crafting with my hands; painting, clay, furniture...and fell deeply in love with ceramics and all of its depth. I stumbled upon ceramics at a difficult time in my life, and I am grateful that this intervention became my career.

I contacted a retired ceramicist with a kiln I could borrow, soon he became a mentor and friend. I am mostly self-taught, but for situations I couldn’t figure out, I went to my friend. 

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Q: Do you come from a creative background? How did your environment shape you?

My creativity comes from seeking an outlet for my feelings. My grandfather was an artist, I remember his studio filled with paintings, kilns, and ceramics. Thats where my first impressions came from.

My parents let me explore and shape my creative instincts. If I wanted to rearrange my room, if I wanted to color my hair, if I wanted to paint a wall, they let me. I believe the colors and diversity of my African heritage play a role too.

Q: Do you come from a creative background? How did your environment shape you?

My creativity comes from seeking an outlet for my feelings. My grandfather was an artist, I remember his studio filled with paintings, kilns, and ceramics. Thats where my first impressions came from.

My parents let me explore and shape my creative instincts. If I wanted to rearrange my room, if I wanted to color my hair, if I wanted to paint a wall, they let me. I believe the colors and diversity of my African heritage play a role too.

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Q: Your work is slowly getting attention. How did you get your start in ceramics?

Ah, my heart is bursting with gratitude! Early on, I had no idea what I was doing. I started an Instagram page to show my friends and family what I was creating, and of course, hoped other people will like it too. I still remember the utter joy and little scream I let out while shipping my first order. I was honest with my customers, telling them I am a rookie and I can make mistakes. It was, and is a priority that my business reflects my passion and is not just commerce.

Q: Your work is slowly getting attention. How did you get your start in ceramics?

Ah, my heart is bursting with gratitude! Early on, I had no idea what I was doing. I started an Instagram page to show my friends and family what I was creating, and of course, hoped other people will like it too. I still remember the utter joy and little scream I let out while shipping my first order. I was honest with my customers, telling them I am a rookie and I can make mistakes. It was, and is a priority that my business reflects my passion and is not just commerce.

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Q: How would you define the style of your work ?

My style is organic shapes, soft edges, and classic pieces. But I fear having just one style or having to stay in one lane. Lately, I am embracing the natural colors of clay and the imperfections that may occur. I work with the mindset that this is for my eyes only - this helps create honest and unique pieces.

Q: What fuels your creativity?

So many things! Life in all its facets and going with the flow. If I don’t feel creative, I don’t force myself. If I want to make ceramics at 2 am, I will. A creative flow is not something you can just turn on and off. Then the heart disappears. Allowing myself to try new things and be exactly where I am, fuels my creativity. 

Q: How would you define the style of your work ?

My style is organic shapes, soft edges, and classic pieces. But I fear having just one style or having to stay in one lane. Lately, I am embracing the natural colors of clay and the imperfections that may occur. I work with the mindset that this is for my eyes only - this helps create honest and unique pieces.

Q: What fuels your creativity?

So many things! Life in all its facets and going with the flow. If I don’t feel creative, I don’t force myself. If I want to make ceramics at 2 am, I will. A creative flow is not something you can just turn on and off. Then the heart disappears. Allowing myself to try new things and be exactly where I am, fuels my creativity. 

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Q: What is your advice to others who want to follow their creative dream?

Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Starting a creative business means getting personal. You are your art; it comes from your heart and your feelings. Do not forget yourself and please do not forget why you started.

Speaking from experience, do not take the leap without a safety net. A saving, a job, something. The beginning is the hardest part and if you don’t have a safety net, it can become an awful experience. 

Q: What is your advice to others who want to follow their creative dream?

Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Starting a creative business means getting personal. You are your art; it comes from your heart and your feelings. Do not forget yourself and please do not forget why you started.

Speaking from experience, do not take the leap without a safety net. A saving, a job, something. The beginning is the hardest part and if you don’t have a safety net, it can become an awful experience. 

READ LESS