“Smiling at the sight” Get to know Ora Clay, the heartwarming ceramics you handmade lovers shouldn't miss!
"Just seeing the piece makes you smile." This was Pottery Clay's first impression upon seeing the adorable ceramic designs in warm tones, which clearly reflect the personality of Khun June - Orchard Surarai, owner of the brand "Ora Clay." Today, we want to share the charming story and stylish handmade pieces by Khun June with everyone.
The brand name "Ora Clay" literally and simply translates to "shining clay." But in what form it shines depends on each person's interpretation, as art has no limits, just as ideas don't always need to be confined.
The Beginning and the Concept: "A little something to brighten your day"
Khun June explained that the highlight of Ora Clay ceramics is the infusion of her own character, incorporating cuteness and unique designs, so that those who purchase them feel happy every day. The main idea is for the ceramic pieces to add a lovely, warm atmosphere to every corner of a room, living up to the motto: "A little something to brighten your day."
"Some pieces by Ora Clay might not look like anything in particular, and some are imaginary creatures, but I can tell you that every piece is made with meticulous care at every step," — Khun June.
The brand began with Khun June's fascination with molding a single lump of ordinary clay, decorating it until it took shape. After firing, that lump of clay transformed into a beautiful, bright, and vibrant solid object, capable of telling a story through the piece.
From "Dragon Jar" to ORA Dragon: The Cute Breakthrough Character
The brand's first character is named "ORA," an Original Character inspired by dragons. This came about when Khun June was interning in Ratchaburi province. At the time, she received a brief from the factory owner: they wanted a piece related to Ratchaburi province. The first thing that came to mind was the "dragon jar," so she decided to create a dragon.
However, many people might find dragons generally intimidating, so Khun June gave it a makeover, transforming it into a cute-style dragon. She re-designed the distinctive scales, horns, and face of the dragon, and that became the beginning of the Ora Clay brand!
Although Khun June intended to design this ORA dragon, everyone who sees it often calls it a "little lamb." This is due to the technique of making overlapping scales in layers, combined with the rounded, soft shape of its face and horns. Khun June says she finds great joy in painting patterns onto the pieces. Currently, the ORA character has been further developed into various forms, including sculptures, ceramic mugs, and even plant pots.
The Secret Ingredients: "Porcelain Clay" and "Amaco Underglaze"
To fulfill the brand's desire for bright, shining pieces, Khun June chose to use "Porcelain Clay" because after firing, it produces a bright white, vibrant, and clean-looking clay body.
For painting, Khun June opted for Amaco underglaze colors from America because the colors are easy to use, glide smoothly onto the clay, and, most importantly, the colors don't distort after firing, matching her exact vision. Khun June has consistently purchased all these tools and materials from Pottery Clay.
"I've known Pottery Clay since I first started my shop. Back then, Khun Ping would greet me at every fair, asking and updating me if I needed any specific ceramic products. She was so lovely. It was around the same time I returned to working on my ceramic brand full-time. You could say our brands grew up together," — Khun June.
Why Pottery Clay?
Khun June concluded by saying that she loves Pottery Clay's service because it's friendly like a friend, offers excellent service, has a complete range of products, and constantly updates with new and unique items. Most importantly, they pre-screen the quality of their products to a certain extent, ensuring that customers can trust they won't be disappointed when using them.