Nathalie Borst
For French ceramist Nathalie Borst, pottery is about expressing your creativity as much as spending time with yourself and connecting with the present moment, like meditation. A latecomer to the profession, Nathalie took up ceramics by persuasion and passion before it became so fashionable. After watching her daughter taking pottery classes for two years – a good amount of time to prepare oneself for the patience required for the slow-paced drying and cooking stages, she discovered that it was that she wanted to do ! Ranging from utilitarian items like plates and bowls to vases, lamps and other decorative pieces, you can find her ceramics in her recently established studio, Atelier Rive Gauche and on her website https://www.atelierrivegauche.fr/ Nathalie, who is married to photographer Olivier Borst, is also an accomplished photographer with several exhibitions under her belt, and such themes also appear in her photographic oeuvre. Her inspirations for the pictures are imbued with childhood nostalgia like tree barks, barbie dolls, and candy. We recently caught up with Nathalie to ask her about her favourite things, latest discoveries and most treasured possessions.
How would you define yourself in three words?
Creative, patient and energetic. Also, a late bloomer.
A project/initiative you’re most proud of?
I have just started a small artistic/craft business with my handmade ceramics: Atelier Rive Gauche.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I am inspired anywhere I go, on a trip, on Instagram, in magazines, at home or on the street, even while meditating!
Which art/design/style icons you are most inspired by?
People around me, especially some of my friends whom I admire.
Which colours are you currently enamoured of?
At the moment white and beige. I find this combination of colours very "chic".
A timeless design piece you own?
My Chanel bag that I got for a birthday.
What’s an accessory you had for ages?
My man Rolex that I have been wearing like a jewel for almost 30 years.
What item in your closet do you wear the most?
White shirt / black t-shirt and my clogs for the summer!
The beauty product you can’t live without?
Night repair from Estée Lauder that I have been using since I was 30 years old.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?
My marriage, 38 years with the same man! It's an adventure.
Which city would you choose to live in if you had to move?
I’ve just moved to Brussels. Perhaps Athens in the future.
What souvenirs would you bring back home?
I love to bring back crafts from my travels and in particular baskets.
Your latest discovery?
My latest discovery (during the lockdown) was Kundalini Yoga and Meditation.
Favourite gallery/museum?
The magnificent Grand Palais in Paris which is transformed according to the exhibitions it hosts. The place is just magical. The Xippas gallery in Paris, Geneva, Montevideo, Punta del Este and Brussels. I especially like the photos in that gallery.
What is on your bookshelf?
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) by Miguel Ruiz. A book to offer to your loved ones.
What quote(s) do you live by?
“We can always find the positive side of things in life”, “Whatever happens, we can take the positive side of it”, and one of Coco Chanel’s quotes that I love, "Take my ideas, I will have more".
What is your most treasured possession?
My house.
Your idea of happiness?
Be healthy around the people you love.
