We’re delighted to introduce Hey Camel Ceramics as the fourth exceptional pottery artisan to join the hōm artisans collective. Founded and led by the talented Leandro in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Hey Camel Ceramics is a studio rooted in tradition while embracing innovation. Leandro’s work thoughtfully blends time-honored techniques with a contemporary touch, creating pieces that are both functional and full of character.
At hōm, we believe that every object has a story and it begins with the hands that shape it. Our collaborations are grounded in deep respect and close partnership with our artisans, and we’re honored to share the journeys of the brilliant makers behind each piece.
Get to know Leandro and discover how his unique vision brings warmth, intention, and artistry into everyday living below!
Could you share a bit more about yourself to begin with?
My name is Leandro, I'm from a little island in Spain. I moved to Vietnam in 2013 and after 2 years working in a studio, I opened my own ceramic studio in HCMC. It was the first handmade ceramic studio in HCMC.
How do you describe your artistic style or philosophy when it comes to ceramics?
Hey Camel Ceramics is a studio founded in 2015, dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to crafting while preserving traditional methods. The studio focuses on studying clay, shapes, and materials in a unique way, working extensively with raw materials and custom-made clays sourced from Vietnam, particularly earthenware soils rich in Iron Oxide.
Has your work or perspective evolved over time? What are some key moments or influences that shaped your current approach?
As you produce the same shape over and over, you learn to have another perspective about the 3d products we make. You train your hand with each handmade piece. Each piece is a step closer to understanding the material.
Any suggestions on how to get out of a creative rut?
I've never got one of those! hehehe I set up my schedule for sketching, research, testing, and even destruction. Creativity is always there, you just need to let it out through different ways, let it come out, don't fight against it. Set a time to play and have fun with the materials you use.
Please share with us how a day in your life looks like! :)
My day starts with a nice ginger tea, then I move to open the store and check emails, make orders, and finish duties. I like to work in a clean space, so I clean very well and time for production. Each day is different.
I also allow free time for myself to create new products, not all go through, but 1 out of 10.
What inspired you to collaborate with this small factory, and how did that partnership begin?
For the Êh Êh Ceramic collection, I designed a series of plate and bowl inspired by Mediterranean themes. I wanted to create a fun and approachable dinnerware that brings joy to the table.
To make it even more special, we decided to collaborate with small local factories to lower the cost of the product by making larger quantities, but with a fair trade on sustainable prices. This way, we help each other by working together.
This project used one of the oldest Kilns in the province, using wood fire as a firing method. This creates a more natural feeling and nostalgia.
Some pieces may be darker than others, because the fire reaches the plates at different temperatures, but we embrace irregularities.
The plates feature a distinct style of hand painting — can you tell us about the inspiration behind this style and how it was developed within the context of this collaboration?
For the plates we sketched about 20 prototypes on paper and watercolor, we tested different colors, combinations. We selected only 9. We tried to tell a story, but also make a series, a unique collection.
We approached the factories, and only a few were interested in these new techniques, not many factories like creating new designs, most just care about quantity. We created the molds and prototypes to provide for the factory, they only had to produce the plates, and during 1 week, we painted 400 plates by hand. During that time, we were only 2 people, but it was worth it.
We always ask this question to our artisans. What do you hope people feel or experience when they use one of these handmade plates?
We need more artisans and crafters in this world, we need to embrace art and creativity. By using our plates, we don't only provide a pleasant utensil, but we tell a story with each piece.
For more information about collaborations or to follow our journey, please follow us at:
@heycamelceramics
@leandromarcelino.art
Heycamel.com