My Story

                PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE LABEILLE

 

Marion Naufal, ceramic artist, began her career a few decades ago at the Louvre Arts Décoratifs School in Paris, France. Her apprenticeship with renowned master ceramicists like Dave Kim, with whom she explored traditional Korean techniques like the Moon Jar, have undoubtedly shaped her unique style. 

The rounded shapes of her work evoke softness, sensuality and femininity. The bold paint strokes reflect inner strength, creating an interesting dynamic. The juxtaposition of the delicacy of the form with the power of the paint stroke combine to create a visual metaphor for the strength and resilience that can hide behind a soft and elegant appearance. 

"As I’ve honed my practice, it has only deepened and expanded, with each discovery leading to the next. I enjoy pushing clay to its limits: how thin can I get it? How can I capture movement? I’m a late bloomer, with a lifetime’s worth of questions stored up.  After quite some time of working with clay, here’s what I’ve learned: my best pieces come from following what I love, while letting go of rigid expectations, including those  I've set for myself. Solitude and classical music are crucial for my creative process, along with time spent walking in nature or taking photographs. My greatest challenge, is to not be overly critical of my work, to let go, to let inspiration flourish, and to recognize when I’m holding on too tightly. What can I say? I’m a work in progress and so is my art."

Marion’s ceramic pieces have been showcased in publications, including Architectural Digest. Beyond ceramics, she has also collaborated with Jean-Christian Agid on editorial illustrations with her artwork featured in international newspapers such as Milenio. In addition, Marion composed a series of photographs capturing the lives of refugee children in Lebanese camps. Her artistic talent as an illustrator also caught the eye of the Vital Voices Foundation in Washington, D.C. which acquired one of her works. Marion is a producer and screenwriter, having co-created and co-written a series that is currently in development.