In this first installment of “Featured Artist,” it is my pleasure to introduce potter and all around amazing person Sabrine Awad, artist and founder of Pot De Crème. We chatted together about how it all began. In 2011, Sabrine was working hard in a family business and realized she needed an outlet to help manage her mounting stress. She knew she wanted something creative, and decided to give pottery a try. A quick Google search led her to a local potter’s guild, and a couple of classes later, she was hooked.
From the moment my hands touched clay, I knew this was a love affair that would last a lifetime. I cannot think of anything else that helps sift through the pressures of daily life as effectively as a few hours spent running silky soft porcelain through my fingers; it’s happiness in its purest form!”
Working with clay balanced her and left her feeling more anchored. She has long since left her stressful job and is now a customer service supervisor for a national industrial product distributor, but it is the time spent in her home-based studio that keeps her grounded and she can often be found there after hours and on her “days off.” Sabrine now teaches at the very studio where she got her start in pottery. She is quick to point out the many life lessons that working with clay has taught her. “Push past your fear” is something she finds herself sharing with her students. “Don’t compare yourself to others; just be yourself,” she reminds them. “Your clay may falter or break, but YOU won’t. The only thing waiting for you is the possibility of success.” And, true to her own words, Sabrine’s success has taken her work to retailers and private collectors across Canada and beyond.
My connection with Sabrine began in 2020 while curating ceramics for the Atelier 522 collection. I landed firmly on Sabrine’s work and I haven’t looked back. There was something so organic about her work. The simplicity of line and her aesthetic of “old-world meets contemporary design” is what sealed it for me. Her use of matte glaze in black and creamy off-white made it a perfect fit for Atelier 522. Our iconic bold black and white striped pottery is inspired by the traditional French-style awnings that flank the entry to the Neustadt storefront. The pottery is bold, yet understated; one more trick of design that Sabrine so effortlessly achieves
My love of simplicity and my quest for kindness is hopefully translated into my work. My pieces are unassuming, minimally adorned, gentle, finished in subdued hues, yet functional and made to withstand the rigors of everyday use.”
Sabrine is a true delight. After placing my first order, she packed it all into her car and personally drove my order all the way from Quebec to assure its safe arrival. It didn’t take long for us to become great friends! We take advantage of her visits to stage and photograph pieces for promotion on social media, and always make time for visiting and good food (prepared by Sabrine who is also an incredible cook). Our time together is full of laughter, shared creative energy, great food, and inspired plans for the next collection. I am blessed to have her as a friend.
Sabrine lives in Hudson Quebec with her husband and cats Oliver, Mina, and Chloe. Her creations can be found in homes and retail stores across Canada and in the US.. Find her on Instagram @potdecremepots and @potdecremecuisine
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White on White Pottery – Small Bowl$29.00 -
Round Handled Mug “Mira”$36.00
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