Juliana Hattu-Dorpmans

After a full working life, raising two children and regularly looking after our three grandchildren, my husband and I moved to Rhodes in April 2020 to enjoy our retirement.

Starting this new chapter also meant finding a new sense of purpose. In November 2025, I came to Oktana Pottery to try a ceramics class. From the moment I walked through the door, I felt at home. I have kept coming back ever since.

The atmosphere at Oktana, and the respectful, welcoming approach of Theodore and Vaila, give me the freedom to be myself. Feeling accepted for who I am has allowed me to explore my creativity without worrying about making something perfect.

Working with clay feels liberating, at times almost therapeutic. For me, the most meaningful part is not the finished object but the process of making it. Imperfect can be perfect, too.

I usually start with an idea, but I let the clay influence where it goes. Rather than trying to control every step, I follow the material and allow the form to develop. In that process, my feelings and emotions find a way into the work.