Nestled in the heart of the 15ème arrondissement, Atelier Lunar stands as a beacon of creativity and traditional craftsmanship. This charming pottery studio not only offers a sanctuary for those looking to explore the art of ceramics but also provides a nurturing environment for the younger generation to mold their artistic talents.
As I stepped into the studio, the earthy scent of clay immediately grounded me in the present moment. Surrounded by shelves adorned with an array of ceramic pieces, each telling its own story, I was struck by the palpable passion that filled the room. It was here, under the guidance of a skilled potter resident, that I rediscovered the enlightening process of modelage few months back.
With hands immersed in clay, I shaped what began as a formless lump into two distinct and intricate ceramic cups. The experience was transformative, allowing me to connect with the raw materials and witness the magic of creation that lies within the palms of my hands.
Here, I am again, eight months later, in the Atelier Lunar, eager to seek, and identify, the therapeutic benefits of pottery, and the soothing sense of glory it provides. As I walk around the Atelier and ask questions to the potter and owner of Atelier Lunar; her name is Laura, I felt shackled with fear, realizing that it has been a while, since I touched the clay, and thinking would I be able to do this again....
I settled into a calm state, focused my attention on the interview, and released my apprehensions. Then, the questions began to arrive one after another.
Who is Laura?
Laura Mergoni is an Italian artist trained in France and Asia, who has specialized in ceramics since 2012. Under the brand Lunar Module Céramique, she creates sculptures and functional objects, mainly working with stoneware and porcelain using diverse techniques. Her style is marked by simple shapes, cool colors, and subtle gradients, reminiscent of Korean celadon ceramics. She also transforms materials like fabric and paper into ceramic art, evident in her notable series Lame and Layers. As a fine arts teacher, Mergoni sells her work in Paris and frequently exhibits at international art fairs and galleries.
What inspires Laura Mergoni's work?
Laura Mergoni's work is inspired by a blend of cultural and material influences. Her time in Asia, particularly in Korea, has led her to appreciate and incorporate the aesthetics of Korean celadon ceramics into her own creations, characterized by simple forms and a palette of cool, subdued colors. She is also inspired by the transformation of materials, as seen in her innovative approach to converting textiles and paper into ceramic pieces, preserving their original textures and qualities. The natural world and its various textures and forms seem to play a significant role in her work, influencing her series like Lame and Layers, which showcase her fascination with mineral-like shapes and the delicate interplay of light and material. Additionally, her background in fine arts and drawing is evident in the abstract decorations and random glazing lines that adorn her ceramics, adding a unique touch to each piece.
Buncheong Sagi Technique
The Buncheong Sagi is a traditional Korean stoneware decoration technique used from the mid-14th to mid-16th century. It is characterized by the use of a white slip (liquid clay) that can be applied in various ways, including inlay, stamping, sgraffito, brushing, oxide juice painting, incision, and dipping.
In the LAYERS series, the Buncheong Sagi process, typically used for surface decoration, is transformed into the form itself. Mergoni repeatedly applies layers of slip on a plaster mold, building up strata that eventually form the final piece.
The Potter’s Touch: Crafting More Than Ceramics
At Atelier Lunar, handling stress and tiredness is approached with a blend of personal resilience and communal support. The artists and students alike find solace in the rhythmic motion of the pottery wheel and the meditative process of shaping clay, which can be inherently calming and therapeutic.
The wheel spins in silence, a lullaby's tune, as clay takes shape with each gentle touch, and the stress starts to fade, In the dance of creation, their peace is remade. Laura, though tired, stands firm at her post, guiding her intern, a most gracious host.
Open to change, with care in her eyes, she molds not just clay, but young artists wise.
The tactile experience of clay work has therapeutic qualities, offering a respite from mental chatter. The hands-on nature of pottery allows for a break from cognitive tasks, giving the mind a chance to rest and rejuvenate while the hands stay busy.
Working with clay requires patience and acceptance of imperfection. As the material can be unpredictable, it teaches the creator to let go of control, embrace mistakes, and appreciate the beauty of imperfections, which are key aspects of mindfulness.
In essence, the tactile experience of shaping clay is a powerful catalyst for mindfulness, engaging the senses, emotions, and thoughts in a harmonious act of creation. It’s a practice that not only produces tangible art but also cultivates mental clarity, emotional balance, and a deeper connection with the present moment.
A Studio of Serious Artistry...
Atelier Lunar is not a place of half-hearted attempts or casual endeavors. Here, the artists are serious about their craft, their focus as sharp as the tools they wield. They may find the demands of working with handicapped customers challenging, but their honesty in their purpose—to excel and to elevate the skills of their current student —is commendable.
The resident potters at Atelier Lunar are stimulating and encouraging artisans, their hands shaping more than just the clay—they mold futures. While they may approach the concept of art therapy with skepticism, preferring the tangible to the theoretical, their work inadvertently becomes a balm for the soul. For the children who enter this sanctuary, the act of crafting a Mother’s Day gift is more than an exercise in creativity; it’s a journey through emotions, a tangible expression of love and appreciation.
The kids'Teacher: A Maestro of Color and Shape
The teacher, her name is Lise, a maestro of painting, colors, and shapes, leads with a style that’s as fluid as it is structured. Her autodidactic approach is a dance of motion and purpose, guiding her students through an educative journey that’s as informative as it is transformative.
"The act of creating with clay can be both an emotional release and a form of expression. The pressure exerted on the clay can mirror the intensity of one’s emotions, while the shapes created can reflect inner thoughts and feelings, often leading to a greater understanding of oneself" says the teacher.
The tactile experience of clay work has therapeutic qualities, offering a respite from mental chatter. The hands-on nature of pottery allows for a break from cognitive tasks, giving the mind a chance to rest and rejuvenate while the hands stay busy.
The Children: Relaxed Focus and Aspiring Mastery
The children, with laughter, their focus so keen, shape pots, vases, where dreams for Mother’s day. Though the work may be strenuous, their spirits don't bend, for in each crafted piece, they find a new friend.
The kids at Atelier Lunar are a delightful paradox: relaxed yet focused, playful yet intent on mastering the therapeutic art of pottery. They navigate the strenuous aspects of the craft with a resilience that speaks to their youthful spirit and a desire to delve deeper into the therapeutic potential of their work.
The kids: "When creating a piece, the initial shapes and images are often inspired by the emotions and concepts I want to convey. The foundation is indeed crucial; it’s like building a sandcastle before adding the walls and colors. It’s a structured process that can be intense, but it’s essential for the integrity of the final work. Even though it’s a bit hard and can make me feel all jumbled up, once it’s done, I feel happy!"
"My favorite part would be seeing the piece come to life in the final stages—when all the elements come together, and the initial vision is realized. The decoration adds the final touches that personalize the creation, making it unique and complete. It’s a rewarding culmination of the entire creative journey."
Throughout the year, children are welcomed to explore the many aspects of pottery in a calm and caring environment. They become part of the studio’s life, preparing their materials, choosing their clay color, and gathering around the table to express their creativity while being guided in their learning. Techniques such as modeling, coiling, and slab building will no longer be a mystery to them. Each child decorates their creations and learns about the drying, glazing, and firing processes. Key calendar events serve as a vibrant source of inspiration, and more open-ended themes are also explored. Budding potters… get your aprons ready! The courses are held outside of school holidays, fostering a spirit of work, learning, and a friendly atmosphere.
The Atmosphere: A Symphony of Serious Fun
The studio atmosphere is a tapestry woven from threads of jovial banter, charismatic instruction, and earnest artistry. It’s a family-oriented space, echoing with laughter and the clinking of tools, where the correlation with the children’s school is palpable. It’s an after-class program where kids transition from school to studio, their minds still hungry for knowledge, their hands eager to create.
In this jovial space, where family is key, the kids craft and learn, as happy as can be.
Parents arrive, at the end of the day, to find joy and connection, in a most creative way.
So, though the days may be long, and the work may be tough, at Atelier Lunar, their best is enough.
For in every curve, line, and artistic endeavor,
Lies a piece of their heart, that will live on forever.
It's through their dedication to the craft and the supportive atmosphere of the studio that they navigate these challenges, ensuring that their work remains not just a job, but a meaningful part of their lives and the lives of those they teach.
The Intern’s Vision: Autodidactic Ambition
Amidst the seasoned artists, there’s an intern whose self-taught skills and confidence paint her as a standout character. She navigates the studio with a passion that borders on audacity, her belief in her abilities as solid as the tools she commands. Yet, in her assuredness, there’s a lesson in dedication and the pursuit of excellence.
Mindfulness plays a pivotal role at Atelier Lunar, serving as the invisible thread that weaves through the fabric of their daily practices. It's an integral part of the studio's ethos, influencing both the teaching methods and the creative process.
For the potters, it's in the deliberate press of fingers into clay, the focused turning of the wheel, backdrop for meditative creation. The artists often close her eyes, letting intuition and touch guide her hands. Breathing becomes part of the process, each inhale and exhale synchronized with the movement of molding and sculpting. They find mindfulness in the silent conversation between the clay and themselves, a dialogue that demands presence and attentiveness.
For the students, especially the children, mindfulness emerges in the exploration of shapes and colors, the tactile joy of creation, and the quiet pride of a piece completed. It's in the way they pause to consider their next move, the gentle guidance of the teacher's voice, and the shared laughter that bubbles up during a lesson.
A Reflection of Intent: The True Craft of Pottery
At Atelier Lunar, every creation is a reflection of intent. Whether it's a child's first pinch pot or the potter's thousandth vase, each piece carries within it the mindful energy of its maker. The studio may not explicitly promote art therapy, but the therapeutic benefits of their mindful approach are undeniable.
In essence, atelier Lunar is more than a studio; it’s a crucible where education, apprenticeship, and artistry meld into a cohesive whole. It’s a place where the community can gather, learn, and celebrate the art of ceramics—a craft that, like the studio itself, stands the test of time and continues to inspire generation after generation.
This aims to capture the essence of Atelier Lunar, reflecting the studio’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship while acknowledging the complex emotions and dynamics within its walls. It’s a tribute to a place where every handprint in clay is a story, and every glazed finish is a chapter in the ongoing tale of Atelier Lunar.
The Breath of Creation: Finding Balance in Clay
The studio atmosphere itself encourages mindfulness. Even when the day brings challenges—when hands grow tired, and the clay resists—the artists return to their breath, to the moment, finding solace in the simple act of being present. This mindfulness extends beyond the individual, creating a collective sense of purpose and focus within the studio walls.
At Lunar Module Céramique, a variety of ceramic courses are offered, catering to different skill levels and interests.
Here's a brief overview of the courses available, The courses are designed to be a relaxing and sharing space, promoting exchange, conviviality, and respect. They are suitable for all levels, whether you're looking to initiate or perfect your practice with clay at your own pace.
- **Children's Courses**: Held on Wednesdays from 14:30 to 16:00.
- **Adult Courses**: Available on different days of the week, including:
- **Monday**: 16:00 - 18:30 and 18:30 - 21:00
- **Tuesday**: 19:00 - 21:30
- **Thursday**: 19:00 - 21:30
- **Friday**: 16:00 - 18:30 and 18:30 - 21:00
The studio-shop is located at:
**5, rue Fondary, 75015 Paris**
For more detailed information on the courses, including how to enroll and the specific content covered, you can visit the official website of Lunar Module Céramique at lunar-module-ceramique.com
