Meet Jacinthe LECLERC | Artist ceramist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacinthe LECLERC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacinthe, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up in a small village in the center of France, called La Borne, which is famous for pottery made with local clay. Most of our kitchen dishes and pitchers at my parents’ house were made of pottery.
Besides that my grandfather had a antiquities shop. So I really grew up surrounded by beautiful, ancient objects that last in time.
I am sharing all this just to illustrate that I wasn’t ‘pursueing’ anything it just came natural to me to follow this calling of an artistic, creative career.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In my work I like to experiment with different colours, textures, patterns and decorations. To my feeling this is part of what makes my style unique. Thanks to my 10+ years of experience in this art, I have managed to have a broad variety in the creations that I offer.

Being an artist hasn’t always been an easy road. I definitely had my ups and downs.
One of the aspects that helped me continue through the challenges has been the encouragement and support of other creatives. I have an atelier in an old building where several artists and creatives are seated. Sharing my challenges with others has been of great help to continue, stay inspired and not give up.

What I would like to transpire with my work, is that it is always worth it to follow the calling of you heart and passion. And that is exactly what I put in my creations: a lot of heart.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would first welcome them with a little apéro of olives from Nyons, Clairette de Die and picodon with truffles. In the morning I would take them to Dieulefit to visit the local farmers market, have a little tea and cake at my favourite bookshop called ‘Sauts et gabades’ and visit the ceramics museum.
For lunch I would take them to ‘Combo épicerie et cuisine du monde’ where Ta makes the most delicious meals.
In the afternoon we would be visiting the collective ateliers in the old building where I work and meet the other artists that are located here.

My friends better get ready for a pretty sportive stay, because this region really invites to be outside.
I would take them for a bike ride here in the Drôme along the ViaRhôna, that goes from the Lac Léman in Suisse all the way to the Mediterranean. It would be a whole day trip where in the morning we would stop at a market to buy some fresh products. At noon we would enjoy a picknick at Rochemaure, an old medieval village set dramatically on an old volcanic dyke.
Other days we would probably go on hikes for example on the ‘plaines de Poët-Laval and les Trois Becs.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to my parents who never opposed me in following my creative calling. And who have encouraged me over the years to do what makes me happy professionally.
Without their loving support I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: www.jacinthe-leclerc.com

Instagram: leclerc_jacinthe

Image Credits
copyright CyrilCrespeau