Introducing Daybydae Pottery, our third incredible pottery partner and second local collaborator! Led by the incredibly talented Daesiree, who brings five years of expert craftsmanship to the table, Daybydae specializes in creating small-batch, handmade ceramics that are as unique as they are beautiful.
This collaboration marks the arrival of stunning new pieces in hōm's exclusive 3rd anniversary collection — a perfect blend of artistry and elegance.
At hōm, we believe in the power of close collaboration with our artisans, and we're thrilled to share the stories of the brilliant people behind the pieces that elevate your everyday living. Get ready to dive deeper into the world of Daesiree and her inspiring journey with Daybydae Pottery!
What are the sources of inspiration behind your works?
Nature! I feel like we are always very cooped up indoors. Whenever I'm out in the nature or simply walking my son to his school, I see what is around me and I'm inspired by the sound, colours and movements.
Could you walk us through your creative process, from the initial idea to the finished piece?
I start by sketching. My sketches are always all over the place and not very detailed. These are very rough sketches just to get my ideas planned out. Then I go to the wheel and try to create what I have sketched out. Sometimes it doesn’t look the same. The making process on the wheel helps me to see what looks and feels good. Going through a few different sketches and working around them, especially when I’m working with different people, really helps tremendously.
What types of clay and glazes do you prefer to work with, and why?.
For clays, I’m currently working with very clean colours. Our collaboration involves an off-white clay, which I see as the perfect empty canvas. Generally, I gravitate towards off-white colour as it brings out the other colours better (should there be any). Darker clays give out a very different feel, which I usually use as an accent when texturing. For glazes, I really like matte glazes or finishing. That being said, I do work with both glossy and matte finishes as they both bring out different feels to the products.
How do you achieve the textures and patterns on your pieces? Is there a particular technique you’ve developed over time?
My hands, I use my hands the most. I have a lot tools in my studio but I don't use a lot of them most of the time. I try to use my hands first to see what I can create with my fingers, knuckles - which is an organic way to create texturing and different forms. When it comes to a specific clay, I may need to use brushes or carving tools. But at the very initial stage, I will always try to use my hands first.
Also, the makers mark, which are swirls in the cup are not achieved by any tools. This is the result of a very natural process of creating pottery.
Pictured above: The Maker's Mark
What role do functionality and aesthetics play in your work?
They have to come together. If its too functional but not aesthetic, no one would want to buy it. I try to combine functionality with my style of aesthetics which is quite minimalistic. I try to keep my pieces as clean and simple as possible. Functionality to me is very important, as I need to have a use for my piece.
How do you ensure each piece is unique, even when creating similar designs or collections?
For the form itself, I try to keep it as uniform and standard as possible. This is why the making process involves a lot of measuring to make sure they are of the same height or width. The little touches to show that its handmade lies in the glazing. Glazes flow quite differently for each piece and I try not to control this process. Texturing also sets these pieces apart. I’ll let the brush in my hand do the work and let it flow.
How do you handle imperfections, and do they play a role in the character of your pieces?
There needs to be a certain level of QC for my pieces. Imperfections can bring beauty to the piece, but it shouldn't alter the original design it was meant to have. For example, if the handle of a mug is tilted, that is an imperfection that I cannot accept.
The first sample could also be a failure and that is totally ok to me. My thought process on imperfections and failure is that it is part of the pottery process. I try to find ways to improve it and make it better the next time round. The initial imperfection is what brings a better version of what I’m making. Imperfection is very much part of the process and final outcome.
How do you envision people using your ceramics in their everyday lives?
My dream is to have my pieces in each household in Singapore. I’d love for the Daybydae pieces to be part of everyone’s day to day ritual, for example when making tea. More importantly, I hope that my pieces can help strike a conversation and connect with people. Whatever the occasion, with family or hosting a party and having people over, I hope that my Daybydae pieces can be a conversation starter and for it to be part of your everyday life.
What message or feeling do you hope people experience when they purchase and use your ceramics?
Slow down and take your time. Enjoy the moment. Take it day by day. As with a lot of my other pieces, the feeling I want to exude is to find that moment of tranquility and slow down. Our lives are busy enough. The pottery process itself is centering, calming and while I’m making the pieces with that kind of feeling and mood, I hope that whoever uses my pieces will feel the same way.
Daybydae's pieces will be launching soon. Catch her pieces in April 2025!