Five minutes with Eleanor Torbati
The philosophy of my ceramics focus on slow living in everyday life, producing minimalist pieces that reference slow living and one’s ability to create a look that is conscious, intentional, mindful, and sustainable, drawing on organic and natural materials.
Who are you and how did you become an artist?
My name is Eleanor Torbati, 28 from Norwich. I’ve always been a creative individual at school however this really developed during an Fine Art Foundation I completed prior to my nursing studies at university. I continued to practice my creative thoughts alongside my career in nursing, however my love for pottery has grown stronger and stronger. During lockdown I made the investment of a wheel, kiln, a handful of tools and clay and have been throwing no stop since. In December 2020 I launched my online shop and have sold locally at Norfolk markers markets, meeting so many artists just like myself.
What’s your advice to others starting their own business?
Creativity take courage, not talent. Don’t be afraid to start small and be small, or we would never grow. My best advice would be to give it your best shot and be true to the creative process. Don’t be pressured by numerical success, but more in what you personally achieve despite the odds.
What does a brief day in your life look like?
A long dog walk with my beautiful rescue lurcher Luna sets off the day in the right mindset. The walk helps we reflect on the days plan ahead. What to throw, what to trim, what to glaze. I head to the studio and pop the kettle on! Reclaim some clay, prep it for throwing and beginning the long list of pots to throw. Whether I’m working on my own collection or others, the studio has been my home for 3 years and it feels like home away from home. At the end of the day I have a notebook beside my bed to doodle any pot ideas that come to me before I lose them to sleep!
Who is a person you look up to and why?
My mother, she’s with me in many ways. I lost her suddenly at the very start of my creative journey in ceramics. I followed her footsteps as nurse but we both knew I was drawn to clay and it’d ability to be a fantastic source of downtime from the pressures of workings in the NHS. She was incredibility resilient and shared a love for the garden with me. She taught me everything and more.
Name your biggest professional highlight?
Probably my first big order. It was back in 2021 and I remember feeling overwhelmed that an independent shop wanted to stock my work, I had a lot less faith in myself than I do today.
Favourite book and why?
Its cliche but probably Adam Kay; This is going to Hurt. Its the best way for me to seek comfort in how a single career in healthcare can bring you so much joy and so much pain in just one single 12 hour shift. I’m still navigating my conflict with my career in nursing, my love for it, the pressures it brings, the highs and the lows. I’ve always been very grateful for pottery allowing me to take step back from it when the time came.
Favourite podcast and why?
The Grief Gang. Amber is fantastic as helping those dealing with grief, after a very similar loss to her, she has helped me grieve many an occasion at the wheel, tears of joy, tears of sadness… its just beautiful discussions around how life goes on. 10/10
What’s the one thing you try and do every day for yourself?
Contact my family, I’ve got 3 tight-knit siblings, so if I didn’t check in with them, chat, laugh, argue… the day wouldn’t feel right. We are all growing adults and its hard to not feel like life is pulling you in different directions. But we always try check in with each other on a day to day basis.
What’s your guilty pleasure?!
Pickles….
Favourite holiday destination?
Honestly probably the North Norfolk Coast on a hot summers day, a few years back my best friend took me to a secret spot on Salthouse beach and I return year after year.
What is your earliest child memory?
Sleeping top to tail in a double bed with my parents and 2 older siblings at the time. Sometimes I catch sight of the bed and can’t believe all 5 of us fit!
What do you think is the key to happiness?
Surrounding yourself with so much goodness in your life, that none of the bad stuff has room to move in.
Window or aisle seat?
Window, I love watching the wold go by even if you feel trapped, you have a view that goes for miles.
What’s a super power you wish you had?
Flying for sure, imagine all the places you could travel to!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Somethings in life you can’t control, its up to you with what path you take yourself on, let it be the right one.
What advice would you give to people who want to learn to become a potter?
Be patient, its a learning process and clay is an extremely unpredictable medium so allow room for lots of developing skills. Never have a set idea what you want to achieve and just embrace the finished form in its entirety.
Visit: www.eleanortorbaticeramics.co.uk