Meet Floriane: Project Manager with a creative spirit

A journey into the world of pottery

Floriane's introduction to pottery was sparked by an almost hypnotic fascination with the craft, inspired by mesmerising videos on social media. Watching clay transform under expert hands into elegant, usable objects had a soothing, almost meditative effect, which she felt compelled to experience firsthand. A thoughtful birthday gift from a friend—a pottery introduction class—became the perfect nudge into this new world.

I was always drawn to creating something tangible, starting from nothing and crafting a beautiful and functional item.

Pottery, unlike painting, gives her the satisfaction of producing items that are not only art but also serve a practical purpose.

Sculpting overthrowing: Her preferred technique

The pottery offers a variety of techniques, but Floriane is most at home sculpting rather than throwing on the wheel. Sculpting provides more control and flexibility, allowing her to perfect pieces over days or weeks. It suits her meticulous and patient nature, though she acknowledges that pottery has also taught her the art of letting go—a vital lesson for anyone grappling with perfectionism.

'The first weeks and months were incredibly frustrating because the clay never seemed to go my way,' she recalls. Yet, she learned to trust the process and accept imperfections through persistence and the guidance of encouraging instructors. 'It's handmade,' they would remind her, 'not an Ikea product.'

Her favourite creations

Floriane is fond of her sculpted teapot, a labour of love that stands as one of her earliest and proudest achievements. It embodies the intersection of functionality and beauty she strives for in her pottery.

But she doesn't limit herself to conventional pieces; she once sculpted an egg inspired by a whimsical glassblowing competition she had seen on television. Despite searching for a similar sculpture to buy, she couldn't shake the vision of making her own, so she designed it to spill over the edge of her kitchen bar humorously. The creation process involved carefully sculpting the egg on a makeshift setup of books, paying close attention to the angles and adding lifelike details like salt and pepper specks. 'The egg was a fun, out-of-the-box project,' she laughs. 'It's not useful, but it brings so much joy.' Creating pottery requires patience, adaptability, and the ability to embrace setbacks.

The painting legacy

Floriane's love of painting is a legacy from her industrial designer father. She grew up observing him sketching and painting; his creative passion naturally rubbed off on her. As a teenager, he encouraged her to try painting, giving her her first canvas and paints. Today, painting is another creative outlet that ebbs and flows with inspiration. Sometimes, months pass without her picking up a brush, but the drive to create always returns.

Her painting style is heavily inspired by nature, with sky and floral themes being her favourites. One piece, 'Midnight Dream,' blends the Milky Way with an ethereal nightscape, capturing the magic of the cosmos in rich, blended hues.

Floriane also enjoys experimenting with techniques like splattering. One of her most striking works involves splashes of phosphorescent paint that glow in the dark. 'Art is so subjective,' she muses. Something I dislike might provoke strong emotions in someone else, and that's the beauty of it.'

One of Floriane's notable paintings is her depiction of Malmö, created using a unique splatter technique. Inspired by the city's skyline, Floriane's work stands out for its vibrant energy and bold use of colour. She first sketched the outline of Malmö's iconic buildings and then carefully masked them with tape and newspaper to protect the shapes.

Next came the fun but meticulous process of splattering paint across the canvas. 'I love the unpredictability of splashing paint,' she explains. To achieve a clean, striking contrast, she applied several layers of splashes, adjusting the density and colour combinations until she achieved the desired effect. Floriane added a final, magical touch with phosphorescent paint, making the cityscape glow in the dark. Only the buildings remain illuminated when the lights are off, creating a dreamlike scene reminiscent of a vibrant Malmö night.

Balancing creativity and project management

While pottery and painting provide a therapeutic escape from the structured world of project management, Floriane finds that her artistic sensibility enhances her professional skills. When client projects demand a creative touch, her 'artistic eye' helps review and refine concepts. Nevertheless, she values her art as a stress-free zone, free from deadlines and expectations.

'I see my creative work as the opposite of my job,' she says. 'It's where I find balance and express myself without constraints.'

Advice for aspiring creatives

Floriane's advice is simple for anyone eager to explore pottery: be prepared for frustration, but don't give up. 'Clay can be recycled, so don't fear mistakes. Embrace them and try again.' For painting, she encourages experimentation and reminds beginners that art is subjective; what matters most is the joy of creation.

Floriane's story is a reminder of the importance of nurturing one's passions, no matter how demanding one's day job might be. Her artistry enriches her life, adding colour and creativity to her personal and professional spheres. She embodies a holistic approach to living and working creatively as she continues sculpting, splashing, and managing projects.

Practical takeaways from Floriane's journey

1. Finding balance: Even with a fast-paced job, dedicating time to a creative or relaxing hobby can help you stay balanced and reduce stress. Floriane shows that this balance benefits your well-being and can subtly enhance your professional performance.

2. Starting something new: If you're interested in learning a new craft like pottery, it helps to take a class or workshop to get started. Immersing yourself in the fundamentals early on can make the learning curve more manageable.

3. Overcoming perfectionism: Creativity can teach you valuable life lessons. For perfectionists like Floriane, pottery helped her learn to accept imperfections and adapt to unexpected challenges. This lesson can apply to various aspects of work and life, where flexibility is crucial.

4. Leveraging inspiration: Social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram can be excellent sources of inspiration. If you're feeling creatively stuck, look at what others are doing, but try to add your unique spin instead of replicating ideas exactly.

5. Embrace mistakes and be patient: Mistakes are inevitable in art and life. Pottery, for example, allows you to rework your clay or recycle it if things go wrong. The key is to stay patient and persistent, using failures as learning opportunities.

6. Creative work for personal fulfilment: Don't attach strict timelines or expectations to your hobbies. Use them as an escape from work pressures. Allow your creative projects to be your own without stress and obligations.

7. The value of practical art: Consider hobbies that produce something functional. Pottery, for example, allows you to create beautiful objects that can also be used daily, such as mugs or bowls. This combination of beauty and practicality can add joy to everyday life.

8. Integrating art into professional life: Having an 'artistic eye' can be a valuable asset in any career that requires creative problem-solving or design work. Even if you don't directly use your art in your job, the skills you develop—like attention to detail and patience—can enhance your work performance.

9. Start with accessible materials: You don't need expensive supplies to begin painting. Buy some paint and a canvas, and let your creativity flow. Don't be afraid to experiment, as art is deeply personal and subjective.

10. Creating your inspiration: If you have an idea that sticks with you, like Floriane's sculpted egg, pursue it even if it feels unconventional. Some of the best creative projects come from unique concepts you're passionate about bringing to life.

Floriane's experience highlights that pursuing creative hobbies can lead to personal growth, better stress management, and even contribute to your professional skill set. Her story encourages embracing the learning process, enjoying the journey, and staying open to inspiration.