by In Trieste
Photo credits Florian Pötsch
We interviewed Yoana Toteva, a digital sculptor, entrepreneur and owner of the Little Beetle Pottery Studio on via Mazzini, opened in Trieste in 2020.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Ever since I was a kid I loved drawing, painting, cutting paper, making figurines from playdough, experimenting with clay. I was one of those students whose textbooks were always covered in doodles. I went on to study art at Conventry University (UK) and later in Florence and Bologna, where I developed my artistic passion. Along with managing the studio, I work as a 3D character artist and create models for video games.
Why did you choose Trieste?
I instantly felt at home in Trieste. People are very friendly, food is delicious and the history and culture here are captivating. I loved Florence, but Trieste stole my heart with its sea breeze, mountains and the fact that it’s quite alright to have a glass of prosecco at 11 am.
How did you come up with the idea of opening paint-your-own-ceramics studio?
Before moving to Trieste, I started to think of what I wanted to do here. I knew I wanted to meet people, get to know the locals and be part of the community, and use my artistic talents of course. Luckily, the studio’s been going strong since March 2020 (with obvious interruptions). I wanted to create a cozy space where I could spend my free time while giving others an opportunity to do something fun and artistic. People can come here for a chat, to celebrate their birthday or just paint.
What is Little Beetle exactly?
Little Beetle is a creative space for all ages. Your experience here is meant to be easy and enjoyable: once here, you will be invited to choose out of 300+ ceramic models on display, your paints and brushes, and find yourself a comfortable spot to paint away. We have a vast selection of paints, special-effect colors, glitter, stamps and our staff is super friendly and eager to guide you through the process, if you need it. Your masterpiece will be ready for pick up a few days after we have thoroughly dried, glazed and fired it in our kiln at 1100º C.
Wonderful!
All the photos we post on our social media are of painted pieces made by our customers. Every time I receive a comment or a message from a stranger saying how much they like my work I have to explain it is in reality the work of many people, and most of them are just starting on this journey, this is their first and very own painted salad bowl.
Creativity at its best!
Exactly. I believe there is an artist in each and every one of us – we all loved drawing when we were kids and yet somehow, later in life, very few adults dare to express themselves by doodling, painting, sketching. People have this idea that only “artists” should be creating things and I wanted to give “amateurs” the chance to do the same. Art gives you the opportunity to relax, to express yourself, to create, to have fun, to let go of the daily stress, and even to mediate.
What makes this job unique?
Seeing people express themselves and let go of their inhibitions is infinitely rewarding. When you see clients come back after their first visit, you feel like you are doing something worthy. There’s something exhilarating about creating art with your own hands. And of course, all of the positive feedback makes me feel really proud. I love my job! Opening Little Beetle hasn’t been easy but it has taken off in the best way possible. I want to thank all of the people I met along the way who believed in us and all of the wonderful folks who keep coming back to channel their inner child at our studio. We hope to see many new faces, too!
