WHO WE ARE
We are a small family-run business with just 3 people at the core of it all.
We work across many avenues:
host short-term and long-term pottery workshops and retreats
make heirloom tableware for families
make restaurant dinnerware and collaborate with chefs
create exclusive one-of ceramic art&design piece
collaborate with food-photographers and interior designers
work wholesale with home&lifestyle designer shops and galleries around the world
design tableware for other brands such as VaidavaCeramics and PorcelānaFabrika
we have created a Horse Sanctuary “LaimesZirgi” based in holistic animal co-living principles
Notions of stewardship, sustainability, and social empowerment form the underlying ethos behind Laimas practice.
“Nestled in the deep countryside of Latvia, I design and create unique items to become part of your life story, things intended to make the otherwise mundane tasks of cooking, eating, and drinking full of mindfulness, care, and beauty.
I hope to inspire a desire within you to think carefully about the objects you have in your life. I believe in handmade, well made, and slowly made.
I work to restore the balance of unique items against the mass products that surround us. I believe that cultivating an attitude of care towards objects around us will reflect in our relationships and, on a larger scale, our worldview.
I make tableware that brings quiet beauty into everyday life. I pray for a future where all things around us are made in the spirit of gratitude and joy, honouring nature and everything upon it.”
About laima
The founder of “Laima Ceramics” – Laima Grigone – was born in Latvia and attended Bauska Art School. After gaining Diploma in Photography she moved to the UK to do Foundation Degree in Art and Design at the Oxford Brookes University (2009).
In 2013 Laima received a BA degree in Contemporary Crafts from Falmouth University where she gained experience in working with clay, wood, metal and glass. During her studies her work was not bound to one format – ranging from mixed-media installations to light design.
In 2012 Laima became an apprentice to the ceramic master Ingrīda Žagata (studio Cepļi). Since then her main passion has been ceramics.
In 2013 she received ELFLA funding and set up a studio in Rundāle (Latvia) creating functional tableware.
In 2016 the first two horses arrive and the Horse Sanctuary is created
in 2019 Laima received MA degree in Ceramics at Latvian Art Academy.
ABOUT THE STUDIO
In 2013 the studio opens its doors to the public, housed in renovated 100yo brick building in Rundale, Latvia
In 2018 the new studio and loft is built to accommodate the growing business and provide accommodation for ceramic students as well as to host various short-term and long-term creative ceramic workshops for both local and international audience.
In 2021 Artist Residency house is renovated - providing additional space to host our growing international community of pottery artists.
In 2022 Oksana Berķe joins the studio as studio assistant
In 2023 Krišjānis Piliņš joins the studio - doing photography, wood carving and graphic design
EXHIBITONS
Svaiga gaļa kritikai, Art Academy of Latvia Graduation show, Kronvalda 4, Riga, Latvia, 2019
NYNOW, New York, USA, 2019
TSUBAKI found LAIMA, personal show, Tokyo, Japan, 2018
Interior Lifestyle Tokyo, Japan, 2018
Interior Lifestyle Tokyo, Japan, 2017
Maison&objet, Paris, France, 2015
SaltFox Collective - One Year On, Trinity Gallery, UK, 2014
London Design Festival, Mint, London, UK, 2013
New Designers, London Bussiness Design Center, UK, 2013
Degree Show, Design Center, Falmouth University, UK, 2013
Biodiversity, Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro, UK, 2013
AIR: Pressure, Academy for Innovation and Research, UK, 2013
SaltFox Collective, Trinity Gallery, UK, 2013
Love at the Poly, Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society, UK, 2013
You are here, Trelissick Garden (National Trust commission)
UK, 2012 Follow the Trail, Lander Gallery, UK, 2012
Follow us on IG @LaimaCeramics
Meet the Team
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laima piliņa
Founder, designer/maker
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Krišjānis Piliņš
Photography, graphic design
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Oksana Berķe
Production manager, Packing Queen, Customer service
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Džera
Head of Security
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Minne
Chief Quality Control
Customer Service Manager
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Džeronimo
in love with Laima
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Laura
Simply so cute
Customer service
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Gabriel
Chief ZEN stay-at-home cat
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Charly Chi
Barn supervisor
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Sahara
Prodigy Superstar Princess
Master of hugs
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Livino De gredos
ZEN Mapmaker
Master of Mischief
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Harmony
The Mother / Boss
Master of Everyone
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MIERVALDIS
(Lord of Peace)