Photography: Christian Cervantes
What is growth for you?
Growth, for me, means establishing a connection with my own needs and taking them seriously. It involves being present for myself and nurturing myself, which, in turn, makes it easier to express my emotions to others and be attentive to their needs as well. Therefore, I would define growth as prioritizing my own needs first—akin to putting on my oxygen mask before helping others—so that I can also be there for them.
What keeps you grounded?
Breathing plays a crucial role in keeping me grounded. As someone who is highly sensitive, I’ve discovered numerous tools to maintain my stability. The scent of lavender and calm music assist me in preventing overstimulation. I make an effort to steer clear of stress and have learned to cancel appointments when I’m feeling excessively tired. Engaging in activities like reading, practicing yoga, cycling around Vienna, and maintaining a balanced social life with friends enhances my sense of groundedness. Ensuring that I do not overpack my day and paying attention to my intuition have consistently helped me remain grounded.
How does nature influence your creative process?
Working with ceramics sometimes feels like playing in a sandbox with mud. Clay is essentially soil, and it has a calming effect. Engaging in the process of creation makes me feel deeply human and connected to the ecosystem. It has taught me to be more patient and humble, much like nature and its seasons, reminding me that everything requires time to grow. Being in the woods and immersing myself in the scents around me brings me joy. I am also amazed when I see my mother’s garden and think about how she creates meals from what were once just seeds.
I am thankful to work as an artist and focus on using non-toxic materials, aiming to contribute to a planet that can heal. In my work, I am gradually transitioning towards providing collective experiences using clay as a tool and adopting a more process-oriented approach, rather than focusing solely on the final product. This shift could foster greater awareness of the present moment, our needs, the space we inhabit, and the impact we can have.
What is a book that has inspired you?
Montaigne by Stefan Zweig is a book that I always go back to and love very much.
What is your favorite plant?
Lavender
