A Potter’s Story

I, Moon, want to tell you a story that occurred in a village hidden among the hills, where a potter lived.

This woman, knowledgeable of ancient traditions and a lover of nature, felt that her art should transcend the mere creation of objects. She dreamed of infusing clay with life, giving it a purpose that went beyond its simple beauty or functionality.

Inspired by ancient legends of magical connections with nature, she set out to create something that had never been attempted before: a ceramic tree.

She dedicated several whole nights to this task. I illuminated her with my light, while her hands danced with the clay, molding it with a passion never seen before. To her, this material was the breath of the earth, a piece of nature that could tell stories, convey wisdom, connect souls.

As she modeled the tree, she reflected on the impact of her actions, on the urgency of living in harmony with the surroundings. She did not want her creation to be just a display of technical skill; she dreamed it would embody principles of love for the planet, of balance with nature. She saw in her work a way to remind the village of the importance of respecting natural cycles, of listening to what the wind and rain whispered.

After months of work, she finished her tree. It was an imposing figure: its soft branches reflected the patience and wisdom of the earth. But despite its imposing appearance, it was a living symbol of its creator’s dreams.

One evening, as the sunset painted the sky in shades of red and gold, an old, bearded traveler visited the workshop. Upon seeing the ceramic tree, he immediately understood what the potter was seeking. He took it, planted it in a garden, and with a symbolic gesture, poured water around the base of the tree and pronounced words of blessing. The tree began to glow softly, and its branches seemed to move with a nonexistent breeze, reflecting the soul of the earth that had shaped it.

The ceramic tree became a meeting point for the village, a symbol of renewal and hope, inspiring everyone to look beyond their immediate needs, to understand that each action, each creation, had the power to affect the world.

Process

Throughout history, pottery has captured the essence of peoples, telling stories of innovation, spirituality, and connection with nature.

From the ancient Greek vessels that narrated myths and feats of gods and heroes, to the Chinese porcelains that symbolized the status of their owners, this art has always been a fundamental expression of human identity. And it is precisely what brings our Collaboration 34 to life.

On this occasion, we present the work of Natalie Priede, founder and creative director of Nash by Nati, an initiative through which she presents various objects created with this material. Each one is extremely special. For her, ceramics represent much more than an artistic medium: a journey of self-discovery and spiritual connection.

In an interview with Loona, Natalie talks about her creative process and her work with pottery, a process she describes as a therapy that gives her “a sense of freedom like no other time”.

To create each piece, it is the material that guides her hands towards the creation of objects that are an extension of herself. It is this relationship that transforms her work into an act of meditation, where each piece reflects a part of her inner sanctuary. “Blessed are the gray days, for the color comes out from within,” shares Natalie, quoting her friend Adina Shor, when talking about the source of inspiration for the pieces we present in this Collaboration, which were developed during rainy days that allowed her introspection and, of course, creation.

Nature also plays a crucial role in her work, serving as muse and teacher, teaching her the importance of patience and respect for natural processes. For Natalie, the connection with the environment and how it influences her work is paramount, always seeking to create from a place of love and calm, with the aim of transmitting these sensations to those who interact with her pieces.

In times where the urgency to take care of our planet becomes increasingly evident, Natalie reflects on the speed of the modern world and the importance of moving at a conscious and sustainable pace. “We need more heart and less haste,” she states, highlighting her commitment to practices that respect and honor the Earth.

Her creative process, marked by patience and observation, becomes a reminder of the value of sustainability and the impact that our actions have on the environment.

The pieces that Natalie has created for Loona’s Collaboration 34 are a testimony of her personal journey with pottery and invite the viewer to experience the peace and tranquility she finds in the act of creating. Each piece is a dialogue between its author, the material, and the world around us, and a reflection of her deep curiosity and exploration.

Looking to the future, Natalie sees sustainable design as an opportunity to return to ancestral practices and well-made processes. Her vision of the future is one where art and creation align with respect towards our planet, a future where each step in the creative process is considered and valued.

With Nash by Nati and Natalie Priede at the helm, our Collaboration 34 becomes a window to a future where art, sustainability, and personal connection intertwine, offering us a vision of a more conscious, more harmonious world.