Degoey Planet is the brain child of Alexandria Degoey. A collection of vessels designed and created through the art of clay and glaze, Alex's pieces serve as decorative pieces which aim to stimulate the mind and start a conversation.
There's no doubt that Alex's pieces are born from a wild imagination and each unique as the next. The designer shared with us how important she finds it to allow yourself to be vulnerable, remain humble and to let go of control and the need to be perfect.
Q1: Hi Alex! Welcome to the Woman Of Series! Can you tell us what it is you create?
Thank you so much for having me! I design and create considered sculptural objects, and functioning vessels out of clay. Coming from a textile design background, occasionally I design fabrics and make socks as well.
Q2: When did you start Degoey Planet? What inspired you to go down this path?
I began Degoey Planet around three years ago as a project and extension of my interests and creative intuition. Initially I fell in love with clay as a malleable material to interpret my thoughts into three dimensional objects and tangible forms (however I struggle referring to myself as a ceramicist, pottery is a discipline I'm currently practicing and still teaching myself new ways to work with). Initially I began selling my work in order to keep making and producing more pieces, which has since developed into a full time business.
Q3: Talk us through your creative process. How do you reach your signature style?
My processes are forever evolving and changing as I learn new ways of working with clay and slip casting. The constant I find serves me best is trusting my instincts and following emotions, it's a very personal and intuitive process.
Q4: What is your favourite piece you’ve created? Why?
I don't believe I’ve made it yet to be honest. I’m working on a couple of pieces which I'm really excited about though.
Q5: What single tool or strategy have you found invaluable to your business so far?
Being a bit of a perfectionist, I've found letting go of control and the expectation of everything turning out perfectly all the time to be a huge asset to growth and adaptability. It’s been nice recently finding peace and accepting that there is no finite end, A release of control comes with an imperfect result.
Q6: What (and who) is involved in the process of bringing your pieces to life?
Just me, for now. Currently I am the independent hands, heart and mind conceiving, developing, making, packaging, photographing and corresponding.
Q7: What is your big hope and dream for your work?
Continual growth and learning! Educating myself on how to produce in the most sustainable way and give back to the community. As well as creating timeless future heirlooms that get passed down through generations and loved long after I've gone.
Q8: What are your top 3 superpowers?
A wild imagination and ever evolving curiosity for creation, passion and the ability to juggle.
Q9: We’re all about women inspiring women. Who inspires you?
There are soo many! To choose a few Louise Bourgeois, Petra Collins and Lou Doillon. A little closer to home though, my Mum! The most selfless woman I know, and has taught me the value of work ethic, honesty, kindness and never giving up.
Q10: What advice would you impart on the next generation of women, and women in business?
Be niche and streamline, allow yourself to be vulnerable and remain humble.
