Small Business Spotlight: HUMANEHUMANELY Translates Human Thoughts and Emotions to Hand-Made Ceramics
As works of art, ceramics quietly tell the story of their maker — carrying the imprint of their hands, thoughts, and emotions. In every curve, every texture, and every glaze, ceramics invite us to slow down, be present, and engage with the world more thoughtfully. HUMANEHUMANELY, a small ceramics studio based in Malang, Indonesia, creates pieces that feel distinctly human — intentionally imperfect and full of emotion. EnVi spoke online with Adila Notodiputro, the creative force behind HUMANEHUMANELY, to learn more about her journey and the soul behind her handmade work.
Find Grounding in Clay
Notodiputro’s fascination with ceramics began through her love of culinary arts and tableware. “I’ve always been drawn to ceramic pieces,” she recalled. “The idea of forming something from dirt that could last forever — that felt magical to me.” What began as admiration eventually turned into creation, especially after she took a pottery course for therapeutic reasons. That class became a turning point. What started as a way to heal eventually became a deep dive into craftsmanship.
“Learning one thing led to another,” she shared. “Eventually, I committed to this creative path and learned everything from scratch.” When Notodiputro first stepped into the world of ceramics, she told her mentor that she wanted to make pieces that felt “human-made.” At the time, she didn’t know the technical term, but what she sought was handbuilding — a technique that relies on instinct, gesture, and emotion rather than molds or wheels.
Her work favors organic forms that embrace imperfections, which creates pieces that feel alive. Recently, she has been exploring metal-based glaze colorants — iron, copper, titanium, cobalt, and more — each offering its own range of unpredictable tones and textures. “They’re unpredictable,” she explained, “But that’s their charm. Their colors enhance my work in a way I can’t describe.”
Creating from Within
Much of Adila’s inspiration is drawn from her observations of everyday life and her own emotional landscape. She reflects deeply on the contradictions between thought and reality, internal emotion, and external interaction. “I try to translate what’s going on within myself into something I can touch,” she said. Each ceramic object becomes a tactile extension of that inner dialogue.
Her designs and shapes are rooted in this humanistic approach, often reflecting simple needs or emotional truths. It’s a personal process — one that gives her work an intimacy and honesty that resonates with others.
The Birth of HUMANEHUMANELY
At the core of Adila’s journey is HUMANEHUMANELY, her brand and philosophy. What started with tableware for personal use evolved into something much deeper — a space for connection, warmth, and community. The name itself hints at a longing: a desire to work in a way that honors the human experience and offers others the chance to connect through handmade objects.
“I needed a space where I could afford to work like a human being,” she says. “And hopefully, that space will always have enough room for more people to come around and join in.” Her pieces — especially her tableware — are made with the hope that users will feel the presence of the maker. That warmth, she believes, is part of the experience. “I wish the connection between maker and adopter could be something we both cherish.”
Notodiputro draws inspiration from human behavior and the complex spectrum of emotions, especially the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength. Her design approach embraces unpredictability, reflecting a desire to honor imperfection and emotional authenticity. Rather than striving for flawlessness, Notodiputro celebrates individuality and the raw beauty of human endeavor as central to her creative identity.
Her work is marked by asymmetry and playful, whimsical colors, exploring the inherently imperfect nature of craftsmanship. Notodiputro views the unexpected outcomes shaped by context and composition as reflections of humanity’s limited control — revealing the true essence of beauty in creative expression.
Ceramics in Contemporary Culture
Ceramics have experienced a quiet resurgence in recent years, particularly among younger audiences seeking connection, texture, and slower forms of art. Notodiputro has noticed this shift, especially through social media and local engagement.
“Seeing people’s enthusiasm grow and educational content about handmade ceramics spreading — it’s lovely,” she said. “I hope people will continue to appreciate handmade ceramics, not just as craft but also as fine art.”When asked about trends, Notodiputro mentions the global matcha fever — a craze that has surprisingly elevated the status of handmade ceramics. “There’s growing public curiosity toward matcha servers like chawan,” she noted. “It’s wonderful because makers now have a shortcut to public appreciation. People are starting to recognize the craftsmanship and uniqueness behind every piece.”
As for her own color palette, Notodiputro continues to rely on the metals she fell in love with — colors that are unpredictable, yet deeply expressive. They echo her approach: embracing imperfections, exploring contrasts, and crafting from a place of humanity.
Looking Ahead
Right now, Adila is learning about art handling — an essential step as she transitions from small-scale pieces to larger works. “I’ve only worked on small projects so far,” she told EnVi. “Now, I’m trying to explore bigger objects and learn how to handle them properly. Wish me luck!”
HUMANEHUMANELY is active on Instagram. Check out their account to see Adila Notodiputro’s museum of art works!
Want to explore more handcrafted small businesses? Check out EnVi’s interview with Samantha Wong, founder of felt toy brand YumSumCha, here!
