Welcome to the World of Ceramic Cafes: Where Art Meets Coffee!
Picture this: you stroll into a cozy cafe, and instead of the usual snooze-fest decor, you’re greeted by a whirlwind of artistic inspiration. Move over, baristas! Make way for Chloé, the “baristartist” (yes, I know – we’re all rolling our eyes at that). Chloé’s rocking the dual role of serving lattes while doling out painting tips like Picasso with a coffee degree! This Breton queen swapped her luxury hotel gig in Paris for the world of ceramics in 2020. Who knew, right? She’s even got a podcast, “Poterie club.” That’s right, folks, we’re one step away from coffee-fueled ceramics gossip—that’s a whole new level of part-time job chaos!
The vibe at this artsy joint is nothing less than Instagram gold. You’ve got sleek, minimalist decor that feels like it’s been plucked straight from the set of a hipster film. And those prices? Displayed in bold volumes on the wall rather than scribbled on a chalkboard that looks like your kid’s art homework? Now that’s what I call classy. Small cups clocking in at €15 and majestic teapots for €50—move over, overpriced avocado toast!
And Now, for the Real Deal: An Egg Cup!
Everything is crafted in Valloris, the ceramic capital of France. Yes, tourists, take note: this isn’t just any pottery; it’s fancy French pottery! Who knew an egg cup could reduce you to a child again, squinting at something that looks like it was struck with a paintbrush by an over-excited toddler? They even have self-serve brushes and paint—because what’s the worst that could happen? You accidentally create something that belongs in a dumpster instead of a gallery? Fantastic! Just what we aim for in our creative endeavors…
Chloé takes her time explaining the “art” (and I use that term loosely) of layering paint. “The colors don’t mix, they overlap.” Ah yes, like every failed relationship I’ve had! It’s heartwarming to know I’m still working on my artistic skills, or lack thereof, just like my social skills. Our egg cup now aims to be a masterpiece, although judging by the other tables’ minimalistic perfection, we’re well on our way to serving our soup in an abstraction.
As we take a contemplative sip of our delicious green tea (Kodama, you’ve stepped up your game!), we realize that while our artistic endeavor might end up as the surrealist equivalent of a “What is art?” debate, the experience is utterly delightful. Who needs art galleries when you can create something that will haunt you in the weeks to come? But then Chloé swoops in to reclaim our “masterpieces” for varnishing and firing. Two to three weeks to see the fruits of our labor? Looks like we’ve got a lot of time to think about our life choices!
One customer wraps up our artistic adventure with a touching sentiment: “After that, you have a beautiful object that will remind us of the time we spent together.” Or, as I like to call it, the “emotional glaze of despair.” So, if you fancy dipping into this ceramic cafe trend—currently blooming in Rennes—know this: it’s more than just paint; it’s a shared experience that’s waiting to knock your socks off. Or more accurately, leave you questioning your artistic identity while laughing at what will ultimately resemble an abstract mess!
Upon our arrival, we are warmly welcomed by Chloé, who embodies the title of “baristartist” as she expertly manages the service while generously offering painting tips and guidance. Hailing from Brittany, Chloé transitioned from the luxury hotel scene in Paris to pursue her passion for ceramics at Clay atelier, a creative journey she embarked upon in 2020. She has even launched a dedicated podcast, “Poterie club,” to share her love for this art form with a wider audience. The ambiance at Arti is undeniably Instagrammable and exudes a cozy charm. With its sleek decor, soft indirect lighting, and artistically aligned paintbrushes, the environment is both inviting and inspiring. In a delightful twist, the prices of drinks are creatively displayed on the wall in volume measurements rather than being hastily scrawled on a slate.
Shelves stretch along one wall, overflowing with immaculate tableware that beckons visitors. Before you even contemplate what coffee to order, you’re encouraged to select a piece to paint, which you must purchase in advance. Small cups come with a price tag of €15, while large teapots fetch €50. In between, you can find an array of delightful items such as plates, traditional Breton bowls, charming cat bowls, and practical butter dishes – all waiting to be infused with your artistic expression.
An egg cup
All the ceramics are crafted in the picturesque Valloris region in the south of France. We decide on an egg cup as our canvas. The creative station is well-stocked; brushes of various sizes, vibrant paints, stencils, sponges, toothpicks, and masking adhesives are available for self-service usage. Following the workshop model, we are entrusted with cleaning everything ourselves at the end of our session. Chloé dedicates a few moments to impart essential tips: “The colors don’t mix, they overlap. I recommend layering three coats. You can create beautiful gradients…”
With furrowed brows, we lean over our egg cup, attempting to depict a somewhat recognizable night owl while feeling as though our artistic skills have regressed to those of primary school. Nearby, other tables showcase mugs adorned with minimalist patterns in soothing pastel hues, serving as a reminder of the creativity that surrounds us. We find solace in sipping a delightful green tea from Kodama, savoring its flavors as we navigate our artistic experiments. After numerous trials and a scattering of brushes that resemble a chaotic pile of mikados, we decide to wrap up our spending, feeling both calmed and inspired by this reflective experience.
Chloé collects our budding masterpiece, assuring us that she will take care of the varnishing and firing process. Our creations will be ready for collection in two to three weeks, allowing time for contemplation. Clearly, we will require a few more training workshops to achieve satisfactory results. This presents an exciting opportunity to explore the burgeoning trend of ceramic cafes, especially if this movement, which has found a home in the major cities, continues to flourish in Rennes. A nearby customer remarks to her friend: “After this, we’ll have a beautiful object to remind us of the wonderful time we spent together,” encapsulating what we like to call the “enamels of the end.”
What motivated Chloé to transition from a career in the luxury hotel industry to ceramics and running a cafe?
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Chloé! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Your journey from a luxury hotel in Paris to the world of ceramics is fascinating. What inspired you to make such a big change in your career?
**Chloé:** Thank you for having me! It really was a leap of faith for me. I’ve always had a passion for art, and I felt like the hotel industry was a bit too structured for my creative spirit. When I discovered ceramics and the potential for self-expression through it, I knew I had to follow my heart. Plus, the idea of creating something tangible and beautiful that people can enjoy in their homes was too enticing to resist.
**Interviewer:** That sounds wonderful! Your cafe combines coffee with artistic creativity, which is such a unique concept. How do you balance being a barista and an artist—a “baristartist,” if you will?
**Chloé:** (laughs) Yes, “baristartist” has a nice ring to it! It can be chaotic, but they complement each other beautifully. Serving coffee allows me to connect with customers and serve them delightful drinks, while the painting aspect provides a wonderful outlet for creativity. I see it as a two-way engagement; I get to share tips and inspire others while they enjoy their drinks. It’s about creating a space where art and coffee can coexist.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of creativity, many visitors come and paint their ceramics. What’s the most common reaction you see when people first start painting?
**Chloé:** It’s always a mix of excitement and a bit of apprehension! Many people walk in thinking they won’t be able to create anything beautiful. But once they start, they surprise themselves! This is where the real fun happens. I encourage them to embrace the process, and even if their pieces turn out differently than expected, it’s all part of the adventure. Sometimes the most delightful creations come from those happy accidents!
**Interviewer:** I love that philosophy! And the ambiance of your cafe seems perfect for fostering creativity. How have your customers responded to it?
**Chloé:** The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! People love how cozy and inviting the space feels. The Instagrammable decor definitely lures people in, but it’s the warm community vibe that keeps them coming back. They enjoy not just the coffee but also the shared experience of creating something together—like our “emotional glaze of despair,” as one customer humorously described it!
**Interviewer:** That’s brilliant! So, what can we expect next from you and your ceramic cafe?
**Chloé:** I’m excited about expanding our workshops and possibly collaborating with local artists to offer themed events. I also plan on exploring more about pottery through my podcast “Poterie club”—there’s so much to share! Ultimately, I want the cafe to be a place where art and coffee help us slow down and connect, whether it’s with ourselves or with others.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you’re doing a fantastic job of merging art and community! Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Chloé. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
**Chloé:** Thank you! It was great to chat with you!