Clay Craft – Maitha Al Mazrouei
Tell us a bit about yourself:
My name is Maitha Almazrouei, I’m currently a PGY-2 EM Resident at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD). In my downtime, I like to engage with my hobby of crafting clay, coloring, and painting. I developed a passion for it 2 years ago and I try to practice at least 4 or 5 times in a year
What got you interested in clay pottery?
Ever since I was a child, my parents had encouraged me to enroll in several kinds of extracurricular activities. Through these courses and workshops, I found I had a tendency for computer skills and painting, the latter of which grew into a sort of passion for me. I loved painting to the point where I would carry my completed and unfinished drawings and paintings with me to school.
At the time, I was drawing, sketching, and painting mostly character portraits and random everyday objects. However, when I entered Medical School, these hobbies took a back seat as I got busy for the next 3 or 4 years. It’s only in the past 1 or 2 years that, with some determination and encouragement from others, I began painting again, this time using acrylic and on objects made of clay.
I followed some Instagram accounts and learned more about clay art, found a center in Ajman and became enamored by the whole process thereafter.
Do you visit a center with material or have your own equipment at home?
At the moment, I do all my work at the center. They provide all the materials and you get to keep what you make after. I still haven’t got my own equipment to practice at home but it’s a tempting prospect and I may do this soon.
The place I go to can be found on the Instagram page: https://instagram.com/theclaycornerstudio?utm_medium=copy_link
Other pages and places in the UAE can be found below: https://instagram.com/okaceramics?utm_medium=copy_link
https://instagram.com/studioclay.ae?utm_medium=copy_link
What’s your favorite thing to make?
I drink a LOT of coffee… so perhaps through habit or practicality, I mostly craft cups and mugs I can use to that effect! I made a few plates, which are nice and fun to create, but am not too crazy about the results so far.
I am, however, planning on trying to make a vase soon and hoping it turns out the way I want it to!
Amongst your many creations, do you have a “prized possession” you’re particularly proud of?
Call me a perfectionist, but I don’t particularly consider any of my creations to be “quite there” yet, and so I don’t really have a favorite. I’m not done with my collection just yet, though, so maybe soon I’ll have something specific I’m proud of 😊
What advice do you have for others who may be into or considering clay pottery?
Based on my experience, I would encourage others to simply look up the information first. There are a bunch of resources online, and locally the centers are incredibly approachable. Most places accommodate beginners all the way up to experts in the craft, so there’s something for everybody to gain from enrolling there.
Initially, clay pottery may feel like something that you may not have the skills, but you would be surprised how easy it can be to pick up and hone. The objects you make feel more sentimental, personable and are usually quite durable. In addition, using the products you create makes for a sustainable and recyclable option, which is always an advantage!
Find Maitha at (Instagram account): Almaith95
