Ceramics is certainly having a ‘moment’. The once crafty art form is having a slick makeover with designer ceramic boutiques arriving in Abu Dhabi. No slicker than that of Studio Clay, perfectly placed at the top of the city and easily reached by all of Abu Dhabi. This designer boutique-style space offers participants a chance to get their hands dirty and learn new skills.
The art scene in Abu Dhabi is still at a critical growing stage; it's evolving all the time yet the awareness of what the city currently offers is still unknown to so many, often it is word of mouth or found by accident these hidden gems are not known to the wider public. Incredible cultural hotspots have opened over the years such as the Louvre, and with many more in stages of construction. The Abu Dhabi Government has recognised the heritage, artistic and cultural needs within Abu Dhabi and with grand plans in the not-so-distant future for further greatness such as the Guggenheim and the Zayed Museum, however, so many residents still commute to Dubai for a dose of something creative and new.
With that Dubai is beautifully over-saturated with incredible pottery studios, art galleries and talent. Not many places in the capital offer true creative outlets and freedom to experiment and express yourself a gap that owner and founder of Studio Clay Noura Al Dhaheri recognised.
‘What I hope to achieve in opening my studio within Abu Dhabi is to attract a creative community that grows and supports each other. Throughout my career, I have fond memories of teachers and places that sparked creativity and love for art, my dream and hope is that Studio Clay becomes that for aspiring artists too within the capital and beyond.’
A covid project that turned into a business Noura went from running Studio Clay in her spare room in her home meeting clients in nearby coffee shops to opening her own stand-alone store, with employees, members, and workshops. The serene studio is a pallet of neutral tones, rustic accents and vintage finds from Europe.
“The concept of my studio developed during the pandemic. Covid adjusted our priorities and daily routines in a major way, it gave me a minute to pause and reflect on what's important and how I wanted to spend my time, hence my love for pottery had a chance to bloom. With a curated functional design, I wanted the studio to be an escape, a place where you can really relax, have fun and improve or learn a new skill.”
Retail balances out the artist's areas, offering customers the chance to purchase the creations made within Studio Clay. There is a glass room within the space that houses the kilns, and racks of work to be fired. Large benches and pottery wheels fill the space and offer an almost serene calmness the moment you enter. Creating that calm feeling is part of the uniqueness of the studio and was perfectly designed to have that impact upon entry.
Art has always had therapeutic benefits, often used in wellbeing, stress and depression treatment, working with clay takes that one step further. Neuroscientists have proven the direct health benefits and often use pottery and ceramics within their treatment plans. There is a joy that strikes once you touch clay and feel it on your skin, the possibilities of creation are endless and a connection to earth and nature help soothe the soul. Many studies have concluded the incredible physical and mental health benefits connected with pottery. It helps increase your focus; exercise imagination and lowers stress levels something that Noura has recognised and championed within Studio Clay:
“Art in any form is an important part of self-expression, and it's clear to me at the studio when I see the uniqueness of everyone’s work, I believe there's an artist in everyone and it a totally inclusive activity that helps in many different ways both physically and mentally.”
Coming from an arts education background, Noura was conscious that she wanted to target an audience like her: artists. The space is designed to be fully equipped for both the public and an artist’s studio.
“My inspiration for starting Studio Clay is simple: Where would I (an artist) like to spend my day? Since it didn't exist to my full criteria, I decided to take a leap and develop it myself.”
There are options on how to use the space: whether it is a one-off class, a chance to build a project over several weeks or as a member, all surrounded by friendly similar minded people. Studio Clay is part of the artist's revolution happening within Abu Dhabi and takes references from artists’ studios in Europe, the slickness of Dubai and looks like something from a magazine but is a woman-owned and operated business that is raising the standards and the possibilities within the artist field.
To enjoy the full range of what Studio Clay can offer you can visit their website: https://studioclay.ae
and follow them on social media: @studioclay.ae
