Indre Bega’s journey began in her teenage years at art school, where she developed a deep appreciation for creativity and craftsmanship. Later, she co-founded Mr. Bowl Ceramics with a friend, building a brand rooted in passion and authenticity. Now leading the studio solo, she remains dedicated to crafting unique, handmade pieces while staying closely connected to her clients. In this interview, she shares her inspirations, the principles that make her work unique, and her vision for the future.

How did your creative journey begin and evolve from your teenage years to the present day?

As a teenager, I studied at art school, where I was most passionate about painting and composition classes. However, over time, I found myself increasingly drawn to clay.

I’m fascinated by its plasticity—skilled hands can shape it into anything, from tableware, vases, and interior details to bold, large-scale pieces like outdoor sculptures or even furniture. What excites me most is the endless potential of this material and the opportunity to keep rediscovering myself through it.

I’ve been working with clay for about 10 years, primarily focusing on tableware and serving dishes. However, in recent years, my thoughts have shifted toward interior design elements. At night, I dream of sculptural forms, uniquely shaped tables, and paintings. Now, I’m on a journey to bring those dreams to life—through clay, of course.

How do you manage to stay disciplined? What are the principles behind your successful work?

I remember reading Haruki Murakami’s book What I Talk About When I Talk About Running when I was still working a steady 9-to-5 job before starting my creative journey. That book resonated with me in two ways. First, after finishing it in January, I went out and bought a pair of running shoes. Despite never enjoying running in school—and despite the Lithuanian winter’s biting -10 to -15°C temperatures—I started running. 

The second, and perhaps more profound, realization was how Murakami described his writing routine. Every day, at the same time, he sits at his desk, whether he knows what he’ll write or not. He simply begins, and the process takes over. That idea stuck with me.

Now, I follow the same principle. Every morning, after taking my daughter to kindergarten, I head straight to the studio. I don’t always feel like getting my hands dirty with clay, but I have a deal with myself—if after 30 minutes I still don’t feel like working, I’ll switch to tasks on the computer. But, to be honest, I rarely make it to the computer. The moment my hands touch the clay, I get drawn in, and time disappears.

What is your biggest source of inspiration for creating today? What principles guide your work, and what makes your business authentic?

I find inspiration in everyday routines. I often ask myself, Can I make this out of clay? Could I do it better? What would I change, and what would I keep? These questions keep me playful and creative. Through this process, new ideas emerge—ones I’m excited to bring to life.

This same curiosity and passion extend to the way I approach my work and my relationship with customers. I strive for excellence and care for my customers the way I would want to be cared for. Every piece of tableware or serveware is made by my hands, packed by my hands, and sent directly to the customer. That’s where the uniqueness lies—there’s no mass production, no automated process where pieces lose their soul.

What’s most important to me is staying connected with my customers. I love sharing how their pieces are made, showing the process behind the work. That personal touch is what makes my craft special.

What have you learned about your clients over the years?

My clients are wonderful people—those who love to cook, gather, and create meaningful moments. They appreciate comfort, aesthetics, and the uniqueness of handmade work. I’m deeply grateful to have connected with people who truly value what I create. There’s nothing more rewarding than reading heartfelt messages from customers who have just unpacked their tableware and are genuinely delighted with it.

There has been a shift in the Mr. Bowl Ceramics business: it transitioned from a duo to a solo entity. What has this shift meant for you?

Yes, my friend and I built Mr. Bowl Ceramics together, pouring our hearts and passion into it. We shared every step of the journey. But life has a way of surprising us. Even before my friend left, I felt a desire for something different—I wanted to explore new creative directions, though I wasn’t yet sure what or how.

Now, I’m reaching a point of greater clarity about where I want to go. Mr. Bowl Ceramics will continue as a brand known for high-quality tableware and serving pieces. At the same time, I am stepping forward as an artist—Indrė Bega. It feels like the right moment to step into the light, to show my work as an individual, rather than staying behind the brand name.

What is your vision for the future of your creative activity?

Now, my creative journey is shifting, opening up space for fresh ideas, new projects, and deeper artistic exploration.  I warmly welcome custom orders and love bringing my clients' ideas to life. I would love to hold an exhibition of my work, so that’s something I’m currently exploring. I also want to dedicate more time to creating new pieces—vases, sculptures, and wall hangings. I have a feeling that the year ahead will be full of new possibilities, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.