Nelia Patalim – handicrafts with minimalist patterns
The name Nelia Patalim stands for high-quality craftsmanship that uniquely combines tradition and modernity. In her family business in the south of Portugal, every piece of ceramic is lovingly handcrafted. Alongside classic patterns, Nelia crafts enduring designs featuring clean, contemporary artwork. She places significant emphasis on sustainable and ethical production. Her philosophy is based on respect for people and the environment, which is reflected in every stage of production.
Nelia Patalim's ceramics are created through many individual steps and with loving attention to detail.
CLAY PREPARATION
Nelia Patalim prefers to work with local suppliers to minimize transport routes and reduce environmental impact. The clay used comes from the region. This clay is carefully kneaded before molding to remove air bubbles and make it smooth.
SHAPING
The clay is molded either by hand or on a potter's wheel. Patalim often uses a combination of both techniques to create organic and flowing forms. By avoiding machine mass production, individual designs are created, giving each piece a personal signature. As a result, the products can be slightly asymmetrical. This manual work not only promotes the local art scene but also reduces the energy consumption associated with large industrial processes.
DRYING
After molding, the pieces are left to dry in the air for days or weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity. During this process, the clay becomes more stable and loses most of its moisture. This slow drying prevents tension in the material and ensures durability. This is a critical process, as the objects must maintain their shape during drying and not crack.
After drying, the surface is polished smooth with a sponge before being primed. The molded pieces are then fired in a kiln at around 1000 degrees Celsius. This first firing solidifies the clay.
PATTERN AND COLOR
Now the pieces are ready to be painted. Nelia Patalim is known for her minimalist yet elegant designs, which come in muted, natural, or bold, cheerful colors, depending on your taste.
GLAZE
The glaze gives the jugs both their color and a water-repellent surface. Nelia Patalim uses natural, matte glazes that emphasize the organic character of her works.
SECOND FIRING
After the glaze has been applied, the jugs are fired again in the kiln. This firing fuses the glaze with the clay, giving the jugs their final strength and characteristic appearance.
SLOW PROCESSES THAT ARE WORTH IT
Each piece is made by hand, involving several work steps, slow processes, and time. The result: unique pieces with gentle imperfections that preserve the beauty of the material. Nelia Patalim promotes the local art and craft tradition through her work. She is committed to preserving and passing on traditional manufacturing techniques while combining them with modern design approaches. The result is not only aesthetically pleasing objects but also products that carry a cultural story.