Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dorel Dalya Pollack. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dorel Dalya, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
In recent years I’ve come to understand that creativity is a very dynamic process, and it can fluctuate. I have periods of high creativity where I thrive and flow naturally and I have periods of low creativity when it feels elusive, dormant and even unimaginative. In the unproductive phases of my creativity, I introspect, listen to my inner self, meditate on it, and keenly observe my surroundings for potential sparks of creativity. This process unfolds naturally, without any pressure, and involves full acceptance of my present state. Creating an environment and mindset that nurtures and maintains my creative spirit in the long run is essential. And in order to do that, I wholeheartedly embrace curiosity. I actively seek out opportunities to learn new information, welcoming diverse perspectives and ideas as potential sources of inspiration. I also uphold a creative routine, dedicating studio time to my craft, engaging in journaling, and sketching to keep my creative juices flowing.
Pushing my boundaries and venturing into unfamiliar territory is another valuable skill. I actively seek experiences and challenges that lie beyond my comfort zone, as they often lead to new creative breakthroughs.
Until recent years, the word “failure” held a negative connotation in my vocabulary. I’ve come to realize that failure can be viewed as an opportunity for personal growth. Creativity frequently entails taking risks and learning from obstacles. I embrace every small mistake I make, transforming them into valuable opportunities for my creative development.
Lastly, I maintain an open mind by welcoming diverse viewpoints and adapting my ideas as I continue to learn and grow. I firmly believe that practicing mindfulness is pivotal in fostering this approach to creativity. By blending an open-minded attitude with mindfulness practices, I harness a powerful synergy that bolsters my creative pursuits which enables me to approach challenges and ideas with a fresh perspective, enhancing my creativity.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a passionate pottery artist, and I find immense joy in shaping clay into beautiful and unique pieces of art that are functional and practical. My work is a reflection of my creativity and dedication to ceramics. My pottery is profoundly shaped by the wonders of the natural world. I employ a combination of wheel throwing and handbuilding techniques to fashion both functional and decorative pieces that mirror the allure of organic shapes. The endless marvels provided by Mother Nature serve as a constant source of inspiration for my work. As a self-taught pottery artist, having dedicated more than a decade to pottery, I’ve refined my skills through years of trial and error, careful observation of fellow pottery artists, and persistent exploration of new techniques and methods.
The process of crafting pottery pieces is a lengthy one, encompassing numerous intricate steps that demand considerable patience and meticulous care.There are no quick shortcuts in pottery; each step must be diligently followed to attain a satisfying outcome. Beyond being a creative pursuit, pottery is a means of practicing mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of staying present and unhurried. The act of centering clay mirrors the act of centering myself, offering a valuable tool to navigate a bustling, noisy, and chaotic world by taking a mindful pause and slowing down.
At present, my collection of home goods is on display at Definition Studio’s store in Washington,DC. We are engaged in a collaboration that promises to enhance the aesthetic appeal of both our product lines. Additionally, I’m in the process of creating a ceramic jewelry collection, characterized by a refined and understated elegance.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When I embarked on my pottery journey, I swiftly grasped the importance of not forming emotional attachments to my creations. Studio mishaps can occur, leading to the potential loss of pieces on which I’ve expended significant time and effort, not to mention adoration. Rather than emotionally investing in the creative process, I consciously detach myself from any specific expectations. This approach enables me to relish the creative journey without undue concern for the end result. I hold a strong belief that this approach can extend beyond pottery and be applied in our everyday lives. I’ve been actively working on implementing it in various relationships and interactions, whether with people or in response to events.
I strongly advocate for the value of being a part of an artistic community, which can offer a multitude of benefits and opportunities for artists. By bringing together individuals who share a deep passion for art, these communities foster collaborations and provide platforms to showcase your work. Interactions with fellow artists can elevate inspiration and motivation, as well as promote the sharing of experiences, ideas, and processes, leading to increased creativity and skill development. Additionally, being a part of a community can provide a vital support system.
When I initially embarked on my pottery journey, I was fortunate to be a part of a vibrant pottery studio community in Warwick, NY. The years I spent there, surrounded by immensely talented, passionate, and kind artists, bolstered my self-confidence and equipped me with essential tools for my creative growth. I hold those moments spent in that community dear to my heart.
As a pottery artist, I approach each stage as if it were a blank canvas, seeing every step in my creative journey as a chance for artistic expression and exploration. When I hold a lump of raw clay in my hands, I embrace the freedom to shape it however I please. Whether it becomes a mug with unique quirks, dents, or a sleek, conventional design, I allow the clay to guide the process. I am merely the instrument through which the clay transforms into a mug. This mindset grants me endless possibilities and enables me to infuse creativity and originality into my work. As a result, my pottery becomes a reflection of my distinct perspective, style, and artistic voice.
This perspective also encourages me to embrace imperfections and find beauty in subtle variations. I purposefully reject the pursuit of a “flawless” aesthetic. In each of my pottery pieces, I celebrate uniqueness and imperfections. I believe that life, like nature, is inherently imperfect, and we should look beyond narrow beauty standards to appreciate the authenticity of the real world with all its imperfections.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Ryan Holiday’s book, ‘Overcoming Obstacles’, has left a profound mark on my life. Drawing inspiration from the timeless wisdom of Stoic philosophy, this book delves into the transformative power of seeing obstacles not as barriers but as opportunities. Its core message is that instead of retreating when faced with life’s challenges, we should wholeheartedly embrace them as a pathway to personal growth.The power of a positive mindset shows us how our perspective can profoundly impact our experiences. In essence, the book encourages us to shift our perspective and view obstacles not as roadblocks, but as stepping stones on our path to personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DorelDalyaSeramik
- Instagram: @DorelDalyaSeramik
