Inside Nessma Djouhri’s Ceramic Studio: Embracing the Transformative Power of Dreams
Nessma Djouhri, a ceramic artist based in Dubai, shares insights into her artistic journey, emphasizing her decision to launch a tableware brand initially. The choice emerged naturally for her, yet she reflects on the broader question of artistic identity in a commercialized environment like Dubai. This backdrop raises the challenge of exploring process, form, and meaning when art often seems to serve immediate consumption.
The Role of Transformation in Ceramics
Central to Djouhri’s art is the experimentation process inherent in making ceramic sculptures. The transformation occurs in the kiln, where pieces are subjected to temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius, making it impossible to witness their metamorphosis. The glazing process, in particular, introduces an element of chance, reminding the artist that initial control must yield to unpredictability. She acknowledges that once a piece enters the kiln, the only action left is to hope for the best outcome.
Emphasizing Self-Trust in the Creative Process
Djouhri’s creative approach significantly relies on instinct and self-trust. Unlike many artists who sketch outlines with pencil, she directly paints onto clay. This method appears minor but holds deeper significance; pencil lines burn away during firing, which means avoiding this step fosters a connection to intuition. Djouhri believes this adherence to self-trust has held importance throughout her practice. While ceramics can be glazed and fired multiple times, each cycle compromises the integrity of the piece, signifying a craft centered on letting go.
In January, Djouhri transitioned away from producing tableware, exploring new themes in her upcoming series. This collection comprises tiles featuring vivid imagery derived from her dreams, merging her improvisational practice with personal narratives. She arrives daily in her studio with the intent to spontaneously translate these dreams onto square tiles, grappling with both straightforward and complex images, such as a faceless woman in prayer versus a whimsical blue plate/tent/playhouse.
The Complexity of Dream Interpretation
This staggered creative process reflects the elusive quality of dreams. During sleep, the human brain’s prefrontal cortex, responsible for logic and reasoning, is inactive. To manifest dreams in waking life, artists like Djouhri must engage various tools to replicate that dream state. Improvisation serves as a means to escape conceptual thinking, allowing impulses and instincts to guide the creation process.
Despite scientific advancements, the reasons for dreaming remain largely a mystery. Dreams often feature universal symbols—snakes, missed flights, and free-fall experiences—signifying themes that transcend cultural barriers. In Djouhri’s early works, one can observe a desire to escape functional forms in favor of whimsical exploration, as if her dreams yearn for expression.
Embracing Symbols and the Subconscious
Committing to dreams, both literally and metaphorically, requires embracing symbolic interpretations. Focus and patience transform the haziness of dreams into clearer images, often revealing questions that evade waking consciousness. A core aspect of Djouhri’s practice is the connection between her subconscious and finished works. She opts for minimal tools and avoids technological advancements, such as 3D-printed clay, prioritizing time spent in the realm of dreams.
Djouhri’s artistic evolution demonstrates a profound commitment to her craft and the exploration of the unconscious. Embracing the transformative power of dreams, she navigates a unique artistic path that continues to inspire both her and those who experience her work.
For more insights on her artistic journey, visit Savoir Flair.
