The Last Word – Melisa Dora
My name is Melisa Dora. I am a Ceramics Artist and Teacher, specialising in hand thrown and hand built contemporary ceramics tableware. My first publication, Lessons with Clay, is now available in the UK and internationally. You can find out more about my work and classes on my website, www.melisadora.com.
1. How long have you lived in the area? I was born and raised in Southeast London (SE4) and have continued to live here all of my life, aside from 2006, whilst attending The University of Brighton and graduating in Materials Practice in 2010.
2. What has changed most during that time? The sense of close-knit community. It is an extremely diverse borough with a variety of independent shops, restaurants, coffee shops and activities available to all.
3. What do you most value about the area/street you live in? The community. Throughout the 6 years working in my pottery studio in Honor Oak Park, I have met wonderful people who have shown interest and support to my work.
4. What’s the one thing you couldn’t do without? I love the parks and communal green spaces and feel fortunate to have so many options available in the area.
5. The most famous person you’ve seen or met? Michael Omari, also known as Stormzy!
I had the pleasure to welcome Stormzy to my studio in 2022, as he opted for the Throwing Taster Workshop. It was a very fun and memorable day which has a special place in my heart.
6. Describe your perfect weekend. Spending lots of time with my family, in particular my nieces and nephews. Taking long walks and looking after my allotment with my partner.
7. What is your favourite place to eat? I am open to most cuisines. My partner has an extensive background as a chef; therefore I am very lucky to have many delicious meals cooked at home. Albeit being Brazilian, my partner and I often visit a wonderful Portuguese restaurant in Stockwell called “A Toca”. My favourite places in the Southeast are Brockley Rock, Van Hing, FM Mangal and Silk Road.
8. Coffee or tea? Where? I love coffee and my favourite place is Rosslyn Coffee in Cannon Street.
Not only do they have an incredible work ethic around their produce, Rosslyn supports London based artists such as myself.
9. The best meal I’ve ever had..This is a very difficult question, as there are so many incredible restaurants in London. Most recently I was invited to The Lanesborough Grill and had the most incredible experience. The evening was also marked by the fact they use my tableware to serve many of their dishes.
10. Cafe, pub or bar? Most definitely Cafe. This is true because I collaborate with many independent coffee shops and strive in supporting small businesses.
11. Where’s your favourite place to walk? Beckenham Place Park.
12.My perfect holiday. Due to my appreciation of food and wine, my partner and I tend to choose places where there is fresh produce, off the beaten track restaurants and destinations that have lots of culture and history. Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal always come to mind.
13. My secret ambition. I love animals, so anytype of job where I get to spend everyday caring after them would be amazing. However, pottery is where my heart belongs, and I hope to one day establish my own school of ceramics.