Dafne Baldoví

Clay House

Ceramicist

©Gemma Aparicio Valero

Throwing for colour and lightness

In her pieces, Dafne seeks balance and experimentation with glazes
Subtlety and elegance are part of her creative identity
Her workshop was designed by herself form refurbishing an old house

After studying and practising architecture, Dafne Baldoví discovered ceramics. She trained with both national and international masters of prestige who served as her reference. Her work is strongly influenced by Japanese wabi-sabi culture. "Due to personal circumstances, I felt the need to express myself artistically and was constantly searching for a discipline with which I could identify. At the same time, I was very drawn to Japanese culture. Suddenly one day, reading an article about raku, I saw the pieces of Raku Kichizaemon. I was fascinated and felt that I had to learn that technique. That was my first contact with ceramics and that is how I started falling in love with this craft," Dafne recounts. She works in Valencia, in her self-designed home studio called Clay House.

Interview

©Gemma Aparicio Valero

©Gemma Aparicio Valero

How did Clay House come about?: Clay House emerged as a workshop from rehabilitating an old house next to the Valencian Orchard. It is more than just a creative space; it is a meeting point for dialogue and collaboration among artists. It is also a place of introspection where experiences can be shared with professionals from the art world.
Which technique do you feel most comfortable with?: The wheel. I am obsessed with mastering what I do and mastering the wheel has been a challenge. I must say that, although imperfection is part of craftsmanship, I cannot accept that it should come from a lack of mastery of the technique.
What do you enjoy most when you work?: Patience and surprise. These are processes that require a lot of time and therefore go against the immediacy of the society we live in. Also, the surprise factor is an important incentive in experimenting with glazes and firings.
Do you have a preference for large or small pieces?: I really enjoy working in large formats on the wheel, although I am also comfortable with small pieces. I dedicate a lot of time to researching glazes and making my own, with which I can give character and nuances to my pieces. I also produce my own ashes, which I use to make the glazes.

Dafne Baldoví is a rising star: she began her career in 2019