Starting a business in lockdown: Artistic Odyssey

We spoke to Zara Benomran, UK based artist and founder of Artistic Odyssey, a ceramics business established during lockdown. For so many, the pandemic has released anxieties surrounding job securities, creative outlets and the uncertainty of the future, yet, Zara has been using this time to work on her pottery portfolio and creation of beautiful abstract works.

Tell me about your brand, Artistic Odyssey?

My company and brand Artistic Odyssey is my way of helping reduce my own (and that of my customers) carbon footprint in any way I can. The name Artistic Odyssey comes from a creative journey which every artist undertakes by creating and evolving through their own life experiences. I wish to share those experiences through my functional ceramic works of art.

Why did you want to create your own business?

I created my own business because I wanted to create my own path doing something I love, whilst breaking away from the norms of society. I’m sharing what I love with others and providing them with a positive piece of art in their life, whilst also saving the environment and reducing my own carbon footprint.

How has lockdown and the pandemic effected your plans for Artistic Odyssey?

Lockdown in the UK and the pandemic generally have created both positive and negatives effects on my newly founded business. The negative side is that many of my plans such as launching my shop have had to be postponed, and I have been unable to fire many of my ceramics due to workshop temporary closures. However, the positive side has been that I have had more time to think about my future, and my products and what is stand for through this brand.

How does your brand represent you/your personality?

My personality comes through a lot in my business, as I’m a creative, unique and environmentally friendly person, who has had a passion for nature and everything ceramics.

How did you enter the ceramics and art world?

I’ve always had a passion for art ever since I was young, due to finding other academics extremely difficult, I was particularly able to thrive representing myself through my art. However I really got into ceramics later on in life when I was in my foundation year due to a passionate, supportive teacher, and a sense of peace when creating pieces both on the wheel and handmade. I also felt I could show so much working with mixed media.

Have you ever struggled with a creative block? How do you overcome the negativity?

I feel as if every artist has a creative block, however, every person has a different way of overcoming it. I find travelling (which can obviously be quite difficult at current times) and spending days alone with nature gives me inspiration and a sense of peace. Turning off my phone and disconnecting from the world brings me back to what I know: my creative journey.

Who/What are you inspired/influenced by?

My main influence is nature and sustainability, as you can see through many of my ceramics – the colours, patterns and forms. I’m intrigued by how we can connect our human form with nature. I also find so many artists and political movements inspiring. I find smaller artists on Instagram more motivating and inspiring than larger well-known artists.

Where do you see yourself (and your business) in 5 years?

I hope to have grown a greater supportive community that can find my work and art inspiring, and can change a little part of something – whether it be someone’s carbon footprint, their artistic ideas, or even the way they view nature and the world around them.

What advice would you give to anyone starting their own business during the pandemic?

Starting a business during the pandemic is a great idea with ups and downs, because you have the choice and time to think of your own fabulous idea and create your business plan. Yet, at the same time, certain industries right now are facing tough changes, and creating a business isn’t as easy as it was before. But take the plunge and if you really want to do it there are so many support pages you can go to to get the assistance to start up, should you need it.

I feel honoured to have had the opportunities and education in life which has made me want to do pottery, but it’s not an easy journey and everyone is on their own path, so never worry that if you haven’t found what you love you never will. Research, travel, find new people and new creative arts.

Images and interview courtesy of @artistic.odyssey (Instagram)