Yamine

POTTERY

My pottery story began in 2021 during lockdown after I lost my beautiful mum to breast cancer before I turned 30. Having lost my dad when I was 8 years old, also to cancer, I was very attached to my mum and the grief was unbearable. In an effort to help me heal through creativity, I taught myself how to make ceramics at home. I grew fascinated at how I could make a functional piece with just my hands but importantly I also soon realised that it was helping heal my grief by becoming an outlet for my pain. My thoughts spiralled less when I was creating and I felt joy again, which I didn’t think was achievable. It’s since become one of the biggest loves of my life; everyone who owns one of my ceramics has a very special piece of my heart and healing journey in their home. I draw inspiration for my pieces from my personal life stories as well as my love for experimentation with colour and form. I hope my story will inspire those struggling to keep believing.

IN ARABIC WE SAY

Born out of a wish to connect with my late Syrian parents, I created my series in Arabic we say in the summer of 2024. I translate everyday phrases from English to Arabic to highlight the poetry of the language. In a world where Arabic is often misrepresented in the media, leading to harmful stereotyping and demonisation of Arabs in Western society, my series seeks to illuminate the warmth and richness of Arab culture. I designed and self published an Arabic practice journal and postcard book to celebrate the series, it gives me great joy when I read messages from you that say it helps connect you to your culture and loved ones