This is an authentic and honest review of one of the highly rated pottery classes and candle studios based in Abu Dhabi from the point of view of local students from Zayed University.
If you are interested in pottery making or exploring new hobbies. Or simply looking for a place to foster your inner artist. Then look no further since we bring you the ideal destination to release your creativity. A place that provides pottery for beginner, intermediate and advanced artists, as well as a candle-making course. This is a review of Studio clay, Abu Dhabi’s first pottery production company and studio that is led by an Emirati woman, and through it we aim to give you a glimpse into the world of pottery.
The Art of Pottery
Pottery is the art of forming a variety of objects, illustrations and more by molding clay into different shapes. It is a form of art that has a rich history in many prehistoric cultures, as well as the Emirati culture, where it plays a significant role in Emiratis’ lifestyle. The craft of working with clay has been passed down through generations and it remains to be a significant aspect of Emirati culture.
To preserve this tradition pottery studios have been founded within the UAE. Those studios are known to fuse contemporary aesthetics with age-old methods in pottery classes and workshops.
An experience at Studio Clay
Our go-to pottery studio for all things ceramics is Studio Clay. They provide a wide range of courses and classes for both adults and kids starting at age of 4. It’s open to everyone!
We liked how each course offered fresh and interesting material which made it a totally distinct experience. Pottery classes were divided into three sections based on age and ability level. Moreover, we were astonished by how much knowledge and skill we were able to absorb while still having fun.
The studio has three main workshops: one for hand building, one for wheel throwing, and one for producing candles. We are appreciative that we were able to participate in each one. The welcoming atmosphere when we first arrived at studio clay immediately put us at ease. We went to our assigned class and took our seats at different stations. Every student got access to their own pottery wheel, pottery clay, and other necessary equipment such as pottery tools.
Hand Building Workshop
Hand building was covered in the first workshop. We learned about pottery clay hand-building techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab-building during this course geared toward beginners. We had the freedom to express our creativity and play with the clay, and if we required assistance, the professionals were nearby. We finished up by slip painting & glazing! We each had our distinctive pieces!
Pottery Wheel Throwing Workshop
For beginners, this session is an excellent introduction to pottery wheel throwing. In which we gained a foundational understanding on how to create cylinders, bowls, and cups. We appreciated how the experts engaged with us on our terms and assisted us in perfecting our throwing skills.
The following week we returned to the pottery studio, where we worked on shaping clay on a pottery wheel. Through this process artists can create ceramic mugs, bowls, and plates. In addition, you can carve and apply slip and underglaze to the clay surface before heating to add decorative surface design features like lines, textures, and color. The possibilities when it comes to pottery wheel throwing are boundless, ranging from making reproducible, practical designs to making tall, symmetrical shapes and beyond.
We each got seated in our stations with all the equipment we needed ready and nicely put. However, we had to wear masks for hygiene purposes, which we didn’t mind at all because it made us feel safer and at ease. We began our lesson with a quick overview on wheel – throwing, which was delivered by the local business owners themselves. Then they demonstrated step-by-step how to make our cups by a professional staff member. The staff was extremely nice, and they always kept an eye out for anyone who needed help. Later, we each had the opportunity to explore with the wheel and the clay alone.
During the first hour of the session, we worked on making the cups on the wheels. After that, we had to wait for our mugs to set before they were baked and allowed to cool at room temperature. Next, we returned to our stations, where we customize our cups by carving and painting them. A variety of stencils and stamps were available. Finally, each of our cups was exquisitely wrapped, and we were allowed to take them home and use them.
It was wonderful experience thanks to the friendly proprietors, the helpful employees, and their hospitality, and we’ll surely return for more classes.
Candle Making Classes
You will have the opportunity to exercise your creativity while learning about the art and science of candle making. After your candle goes out, you may use one of the lovely coffee mugs designed by Studio Clay to make a hot beverage at home while remembering the experience!
The session, which lasted from 10 to 12 minutes, moved along quickly. The morning began with a discussion of the various types of candle wax that are available and under- and over-burning. We weighed out the wax, melted it in a saucepan with the aroma added, stirred for two minutes, and then poured it into the glass jar after adding the wick and wrapping the label over it. Next we got to create our own oil for the oil/wax burner using several smells. An excellent morning spent learning about candles and leaving with some wonderful presents.
I cherished how each of us could express our unique personalities by selecting from the many available aromas. Despite the fact that we were all working on the same table, we each produced a special candle that is unique to us. The staff was wonderful, guiding us through every step while also providing us time to research and discover on our own.
There was soothing music playing in the background, complimentary snacks, and hot beverages were available. For more about Candle Making Classes Requirements click here.
More Information about Studio Clay
Location of Studio Clay
Al Manhal – Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St 658
Landline number
02 666 1017
Timings
Studio Clay’s opening hours are from 10:30am – 9:30pm everyday except Friday.
Bookings
To book your sessions at studio clay simply use the website link provided below. All bookings are to be made in advance, all you need to do is register and pick a suitable date and time for your class. Rescheduling can be offered up to 24 hours in advance.
https://studioclay.simplybook.me/
Other Pottery Classes in Abu Dhabi
While Studio Clay is undoubtedly a great option for those interested in pottery in Abu Dhabi, it’s important to remember that there are other places to explore as well. Abu Dhabi is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, and there are many other pottery studios and workshops to check out. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced potter, these other places offer unique experiences and perspectives on the art form. Studio COE is one of the places that offers classes in various pottery techniques such as wheel throwing, hand-building, and glazing, and provides a platform for artists to showcase their work. On the other hand, the Abu Dhabi Pottery Establishment is another option that offers classes for both adults and kids. They specialize in creating traditional Emirati pottery pieces and have a studio where visitors can watch the potters at work. Both of these places provide unique experiences and are worth checking out for anyone interested in pottery in Abu Dhabi.
The pottery classes “Studio Clay” in Abu Dhabi is the subject of our review, which we hope you found interesting. Don’t forget to subscribe to our website to keep you informed and read more reviews about all the various interesting locations in the UAE.