Léa Baldassari, ceramic artist
Meet Léa (and her dog Marcel), a ceramic artist, in her workshop in Paris's 11th arrondissement. She tells us about her journey, her inspirations, and her vision of style.
Photo: ofelia rodriguez
Hello Léa, could you tell us a bit about your background?
Hello Marie-Laure!
I've always worked with my hands; even as a child, I loved crafts and creating things.
I started my career as a professional makeup artist, then trained in hairdressing. When I began ceramics as a hobby, I had stopped all that and was working a temporary job in an organic shop after returning from Montreal. I practiced ceramics whenever I could, and the lockdown changed everything. I dropped everything and took the plunge!
How did you decide to retrain as a ceramic artist?
It was a difficult period in my life and working with clay did me a lot of good. There was the lockdown, as I said, and I practiced every day for 2 months. I had taken classes, but I would say that diligent repetition continued to train me.
I had created an Instagram account and saw the interest my creations generated, and then I started getting orders.
What is your approach to your pottery work?
I'm quite instinctive in my work. I never draw, I'm actually quite bad at it (laughs), I try things directly with the clay and I keep what I like.
I love creating everyday objects; I've always loved dinnerware and beautiful items.
What I enjoy most is creating dinnerware for restaurants, it's so satisfying to see good food in my pieces; I love eating, and especially eating well.
How would you describe your style?
The style in my work: raw and delicate. These are the first two words that come to mind, you might say it's an oxymoron, but that's how I see my style. The textures and colors are natural, and the shapes are rather delicate.
As for the style of my clothes, it's rather timeless but with little fashion twists. I only like natural materials, I pay great attention to them, and comfort is also essential for me.
Your favorite piece in your dressing room?
I'm a fan of knitwear. I have a lot of nice, well-made sweaters, but I'd say a black leather jacket I bought this summer (on Vinted, I'd been looking for it for years) and which really defines me.
"I only like natural materials, I pay close attention to them, comfort is also essential for me."
A cafe in Paris
I love the latte at Ten Bells, but I prefer it to go. Otherwise, there's a very cute cafe near my place called Mokochaya, known for its cozy atmosphere and amazing cheesecake.
A restaurant in Paris
I love going to Haikara for an efficient and very good dinner. Le Café du Coin for their delicious lunch menu, and for a cozy atmosphere in the evening. Furia and their delicious tacos, Le Recoin too, and so many others!
A museum in Paris
I really like the Musée d'Orsay, but when I go to a museum, it's mostly for their temporary exhibitions, and depending on what I like, I can go anywhere, and all the museums in Paris are quite beautiful anyway!
A song that gets you pumped?
I'm a bit monomaniacal, so it comes in phases. Right now, it's 'running up that hill' by Kate Bush and 'velvet gloves & spit' by Timber Timbre.
If you were a cocktail party?
I'm not much of a cocktail person; I prefer good, natural wine, ideally.
Léa is wearing the Monica vest in wool grain de poudre and black satin buttons.
Follow @leabaldassari.ceramics on Instagram.
