Creation of Michal Saidon/relation
In recent years, the ceramic wave is sweeping Israelis and home design lovers.
More and more people find themselves fascinated by the world of material and creation.
This is a fascinating phenomenon that combines love for the material, creativity, community and therapy.
In preparation for Passover, which brings with it an atmosphere of renewal, design and home renovations, we spoke with one of the hottest names in the field of ceramics in Israel - Michal Saidon, an inspiring 46-year-old entrepreneur from Tel Aviv, who several years ago experienced a fateful encounter with ceramics - an encounter that changed her life and led her towards self-fulfillment.
Michal Saidon/Rev
How did your love for ceramics begin?
"As an only child in a family that owns family properties, I found myself naturally entering the world of real estate and I enjoyed it very much.
Then by chance, I came to the world of ceramics through a friend who suggested that I join her class.
There, in Adi Lidor's studio in Ramat Hasharon, I discovered a wonderful world of creativity, calmness, contact with material and a diverse community.
Each meeting became an escape from reality and mental therapy for everything.
This studio later became my second home.
Touching the material, creating beautiful things and combining it with home design, another love of mine, made me fall in love with ceramics.
From a hobby, the practice turned into a real passion and a brand that I own, and from there everything is history."
How do you explain the mass influx into the ceramics field?
"In our country where reality is full of sadness and tension, ceramics have become a refuge for many people looking to escape a little from the daily hustle and bustle and do something that fills the soul, that you can find a little calmness in it like in a piece of art.
The creation is a place of peace, concentration and a tremendous sense of satisfaction.
When I'm in the studio, I feel like all the stress and worries just disappear.
It's mental therapy for everything.
Apart from Adi Lidor's studio, which contains about a hundred women, along with a long waiting list of women who also want to join, also at all kinds of events that I attend, there is a discussion about the field of ceramics and the great interest in it.
Recently I even discovered that the Hollywood actor Seth Rogen started creating in ceramics."
What is special about your SNSA brand?
"The name SNSA consists of the initials of the names of my family members.
I mainly create functional serving utensils with a luxurious style, which are also suitable for decoration.
Each tool is handmade, which makes it unique.
I don't take orders in advance, and my clientele is loyal and appreciates this uniqueness."
What is your connection to the ceramics community?
"This community is like a family to me.
Women of all ages and backgrounds, sharing a love for material and creation.
We support each other, share tips and information, and enjoy the time together."
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Creating ceramics - Michal Saidon/relation
The turning point began after five years, when requests began to flow from many women who were exposed to the creations prepared by Michal and uploaded to her Instagram under the SNSA brand.
"So I decided to gather courage and hold a home sale of the tools I made. I was surprised how successful the sale was when all the items I made were sold. The feeling of loving and buying something I made with both hands is sublime. A real feeling of levity and satisfaction. It's the best compliment I could ask for," concludes Michal.
How did the family react to your career change?
"My family supported me from the first moment. My daughters enjoy watching me create, and this gives me a lot of strength. Since I am at Adi Lidor's studio once a week and it is not possible to be there every day, both financially and because the studio is full, I decided to bring home what is needed so that I can to create at home and spend many hours of continuous pleasure, me and the material without limit. So with the help of my teacher, I bought a special ceramic oven along with devices and other products that are relevant to my work. The business I set up in my home is not a substitute for the hours I spend in Adi's ceramics studio - I do not give up time in any way Mine is with this cohesive community. A defining moment I had, I was with friends at a large demonstration in Kaplan, surrounded by tens of thousands of people, someone approached me and said - I recognize you from Instagram and I had to approach you to tell you that the tools you make are amazing."
How do you prepare for Passover?
"I create special collections of unique serving dishes for the holiday. The process of creating such a collection lasts about five months, and includes a lot of work and handiwork. Each dish is made with great love. I discovered interest from people far beyond the circles of people I know and I saw that people mainly look for beautiful dishes before holidays, That's why I aimed my creation at home sales before Rosh Hashanah and Passover. The demand is huge."
Michal Saidon - works/relation
What are the challenges and successes you have experienced?
"The challenges include a long and complex creation process, a lot of work and a lot of competition in the market. The successes are many: a loyal customer base, successful sales, and a tremendous sense of satisfaction from the creation."
How do you see the world of ceramics developing in Israel?
"The field of ceramics has been flourishing in recent years. More and more people are finding an outlet in it, creativity and a sense of community. I believe that this field will continue to grow and develop, and I am happy to be a part of it. Everywhere in the world when I travel I draw ideas, in every restaurant I always look at the dishes, while surfing On the net I spend hours without a sense of time, and draw inspiration from ceramic artists from all over the world. In recent years I see how the world of ceramics sweeps so many people.
It started with my customers who came and bought and were interested in the process and I referred them to Adi Lidor's studio and there are several customers who started following me to learn and create and even set up a studio in their home."
What are your dreams for the future?
"My dream is to present my tools in art exhibitions in Israel and abroad, and become SNSA is a well-known and loved brand. I want people to enjoy my tools and the beauty they bring to the home."
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