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THE FLÂNEURS
Meet Inhee Ma from Ini Ceramique
Nestled in the picturesque French region of La Bourgogne, Inhee Ma unveils her artistic mastery through beautiful ceramics. Inhee shares insights on the things that inspire her and offers tips for those seeking to explore the beauty of the countryside that surrounds her. She paints a picture of her creative process and the connection she nurtures with both her art and this idyllic setting. Her creations are incredibly unique, and we were so excited to learn more about a maker who has quickly become one of our favourites.

What drove you to create Ini Ceramique?
My artistic journey started with a need to discover another way to see, understand and produce Art. It felt natural to move to France since it has been an historical place for Art and I was attracted to the French art scene that I saw as dynamic and contemporary. I was also drawn by a lot of aspects of the French culture (language, food, music, cinema, etc).
My ceramics are showcased in galleries worldwide, including the United States, England, Japan, Korea, Germany, Luxembourg, and France. I take pride in participating in local art fairs, fostering connections with artistic communities. These experiences not only fueled my passion for art but also allowed me to explore the conversations initiated by everyday objects. Through my art, I aspire to evoke emotions and appreciation for the beauty inherent in our lives.

What serves as your inspiration? And how do you approach working with various materials?
Since I studied art before launching INI CERAMIQUE, many of my inspirations stem from the art world. For instance, inspired by the works of the painting artist Giorgio Morandi, I aimed to reinterpret and design vases with my own perspective. Additionally, the Greek-inspired models in my collection are a deliberate effort to diversify INI CERAMIQUE’s offerings, introducing vases with unique shapes and illustrations to enhance users' choices and enjoyment. These designs draw inspiration from the patterns and intricate forms found in the heritage of traditional Greek vases.
Overall, my inspirations derive from various interconnected elements, primarily art, the amalgamation of international cultures, and both contemporary and traditional techniques and aesthetics. My ambition lies in evoking emotions, sparking inquiries, and fostering a renewed appreciation for the inherent beauty of our everyday lives.

Inhee's studio in rural Bourgogne.

From Ini's first collection, the 'Triple Mille-Pattes' vase.

Three things you love about Bourgogne
I love visiting La Buvette du Conservatoire (pictured here) in Besançon. This place serves the best cocktails in town and offers creative and comforting cuisine, consisting of gastronomic tapas. I also love the decor, which accentuates the beauty of this old building, formerly used as a music conservatory.
I relocated from Paris to the countryside two years ago. While living in a dynamic city like the French capital has its advantages, I sometimes miss it, but the natural beauty that surrounds me compensates for it. There's a particular path in the middle of the forest that leads to a small wooden house by a charming lake.
Bookstores have always held a special place in my heart. In my free time, which is unfortunately quite rare, I visit the old part of Besançon and the bookstores there. They have a fantastic variety of books from various fields, including novels, art books, scientific essays, a vast section of psychology books, and much more.
What does the word Flâneur mean to you?
A flâneur is someone wise enough to take the time—time to enjoy life, time to rest, time to move forward without any specific preconceived direction or motive. In this hectic period, it almost appears as a luxury, yet it is essential to slow down and let the flow guide us. I believe that, no matter where it leads us, the journey will be beautiful and serene.
What is your vision for 2024?
2024 will be joyful, fun, and peaceful. Not just because of concrete facts, but because that's how I want it to be! I hope everyone will join me in this vision and turn everything into a success. Failures won't be seen as setbacks but as new opportunities to grow and enjoy each of those 366 days.