Oema's inspiration is rooted in a deep curiosity about what it means to feel at home. Home not just a physical space where we reside, but as a place where we connect with ourselves and others, where we find comfort and refuge, and where we create meaningful rituals.

The commitment to handcrafted ceramics is an expression of this understanding. By creating pieces that are not only beautiful but practical and durable, Oema seeks to foster a sense of connection and joy in the homes of its customers. From savoring a cup of coffee in a handmade mug to arranging and rearranging flowers in a beautifully crafted vase, these simple acts can bring a sense of calm and peace to our busy lives.

Through its commitment to creating long-lasting pieces that inspire practical rituals, Oema encourages a deeper appreciation for the beauty and meaning that can be found in our everyday lives. These rituals are often shaped by memories and Oema celebrates the importance of these moments through thoughtful design and craftsmanship.

Ana de Souza is a Brazilian designer and ceramicist behind each Oema piece. Her work is deeply rooted in personal memory—shaped by a childhood filled with daily rituals, gentle routines, and small pleasures that helped build a sense of wonder toward the everyday. Ana was raised by parents who taught her to observe and care for her surroundings, and to honor the quiet importance of what makes a home feel whole.

Ana's journey and Oema's history intertwined with the places and cultures that were part of her journey. While studying design and ceramics, Ana continued her exploration of the craft by living in various countries, including Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary.

Each of these experiences has profoundly impacted Ana's design sensibility, which is characterized by a combination of minimalist, elegant, and thoughtful forms. This unique blend creates the essence of the treasures that carry the Oema name.

The word Oema is derived from the letters of the sentence "Mario oleiro" in Portuguese, which translates to "Mario the potter". Mario de Souza was Ana’s grandfather and a highly skilled potter.

The flower has become a symbol of Oema’s universe—a recurring inspiration to Ana’s work and one that carries deep familial meaning. Her grandmother used to paint flowers on her grandfather’s pottery, creating a visual language that now lives on through Oema. For Ana, flowers are more than decoration; they evoke movement, tenderness, and renewal. They are a sign of rebirth and awakening, connecting her present creations to her childhood memories.

When Ana founded Oema, she drew on her grandfather's and great-grandfather's pottery legacy to create contemporary and deeply personal pieces. She combines modern design sensibilities with a sentimental touch, creating both functional and meaningful pieces.

The act of shaping ceramics became, for Ana, a way to honor memory, place, and time.

Process

Crafting ceramics is a time-intensive process that requires patience and attention to detail. At Oema, Ana personally models, finishes, and glazes each piece of ceramic at her private studio in Barcelona.

Before the shaping process, the clay is prepared by being weighed and wedged until it becomes homogenous and air pockets are removed. Using a potter's wheel, water, and various tools, Ana handcrafts each piece of ceramic.

After a day of drying, the shaped piece is ready to be trimmed, and the base is finished and stamped. Depending on the design, additional touches are made while the piece is still slightly moist. Carvings may be added, and handles may be attached.

Once the piece has dried for a few days, it's ready for the first firing. The bisque firing process takes two days and reaches temperatures up to 950°C.

After the bisque firing, the pieces are glazed using various techniques that depend on the design. After one day of drying, the glazed pieces are ready for the high-temperature firing, which takes two days and reaches temperatures up to 1250°C. The result is a functional and food-safe piece of ceramic that is designed to last for many years to come.