Keeping alive an art form as old as dirt
ABU DHABI POTTERY RUNS CLASSES THAT LET PEOPLE HAVE FUN WHILE LEARNING A SKILL
Opened back in 1994, arts institution Abu Dhabi Pottery continues to attract residents who want to express themselves with clay.
In the last 24 years, the organisation has been trying to keep this earliest form of human artistic creativity alive.
“Pottery has been one of the oldest human inventions, so the sole idea to start something like this was to give the residents here an opportunity to understand and enjoy the idea of creating their own ceramic objects,” said Homa Farley, the brain behind Abu Dhabi Pottery.
“We opened the place as I really wanted to continue exploring and working with clay and at the same time, pass on my knowledge to other interested parties,” Farley said, adding that her institution was the first modern pottery place in the UAE.
“Our services include pottery classes for adults and children, school or group visits, birthday parties, team building and specialised workshops,” she added, describing the array of activities offered.
The institute organises weekly classes.
Farley said the course starts with students being introduced to the basics of pottery making before they start making their own pottery.
Training process
“The introduction is followed by showing them hand-building techniques to making a pinch pot, followed by slab and coil techniques.
“After this, we introduce the participants to the potter’s wheel. Sometimes the students do not wish to learn the hand-building techniques and are eager to go straight to the potter’s wheel and we are happy to do so but we suggest learning all the techniques step by step.”
Farley also stressed that making pottery is not as easy as it looks — the process requires both patience and good technique to get it right.
“Learning pottery is not a fast process, so you have to be patient and not expect too much from yourself [initially] especially where the potter’s wheel is concerned,” she said.
How it is done
“Once the students learn the basic techniques, we move on to the next levels. Each piece can be glazed and decorated by the student with helpful guidance from our teachers. Pottery is a never-ending learning process — after 25 years, I am still learning. It requires a lot of discipline and dedication and if you have the passion, you will excel.”
In terms of the pottery made, Farley said the styles are different thanks to the diversity of the students who are of different nationalities.
“The items made during the classes do vary a lot; just one class could comprise Emirati, British, French, Lebanese, American or South African students.
“My own style is inspired by the ancient Middle Eastern pottery as well as the scenery of the UAE,” she added.
Therapeutic benefits
Farley also spoke about the benefits of making pottery, describing it as therapeutic for the people attending, which, she said, is why residents enjoy the classes.
“Pottery, ceramics and working with clay, in general, is a very therapeutic art form, which nourishes your mind and body and relaxes you.
“When you work with clay, you forget everything and go into the Zen mode. Many people find that this art is not only relaxing but also rewarding. It is wonderful to make your own pieces and to actually use them in your everyday life or simply look at your creation and feel pride and joy,” she added.
“It is particularly good for people with stressful life — be it a mother, a busy executive or a patient suffering from high blood pressure or just simply someone who wants to explore their creative ability,” she said.
South African couple Adriaan du Plessis and wife Mariann are among the students who have been attending Abu Dhabi Poetry’s classes for the past one year, and both of say they have had positive experiences. “My wife and I wanted to do something different, so we said why not try making pottery?
“We found out about Abu Dhabi Pottery and have been going there for one year now. It’s been an excellent experience for the two of us, which is why we have kept going back. It really feels nice when you can create something yourself,” said Adriaan.
“When I started, it was harder than I thought, but over time I started getting better. A few weeks ago, I managed to make two very big pots using over 24 kilos of clay. I never thought I’d ever be able to make something like that before,” he added.
Pride of creating
Mariann said she has started using the pots she has made in the class at home, replacing the items she had bought.
“I’ve thrown away things and replaced them with my own pottery. I would usually buy things to put my makeup products in, but I now put them inside the pots that I have made.
“I do feel a sense of pride when I see my own pots because I made them all by myself. It makes you feel good about it.”
Mariann also said the sessions are a good way for her to relieve stress.
“When you enter the class, you leave all your worries outside and simply concentrate your entire mind on doing something creative with your hands.”