Words by Imthishal

There is no denying the majority of our population is in one way or another some sort of artist. Perhaps it is because of the mere fact that we are islanders. Our people have for the longests time built the necessities for survival and life using nothing but their bare hands and whatever mother nature has to give. Years later, this universal truth still stands steady. However, the 21st century Maldives struggles when it comes to exposure to new means of creativity, exploration and self discovery through art. Nevertheless, underdogs such as Clay Studio and here to “make a difference”.

Co-founder; Ahmed Muaz, grew up on Raa Atoll spending much of his time helping around at his father’s carpentry shop. Eventually, he moved on to study Arts in India and The United States of America. Ahmed emphasized; “ From a young age I have been creating and building, luckily I have always had access to creative spaces. In 2021 I moved back home and I realized there aren’t any workshops here that are accessible to the public”. Constantly exposed to Art and innovative environments, Ahmed thought to explore and spread that love by building more creative spaces.

Why is pottery significant?

The ancient yet undying practice of pottery is undoubtedly a multifaceted medium, it has single handedly revolutionized human civilization as we know it. From cooking, farming and building homes, it is an irreplaceable discovery that is being used daily by everyone, everywhere throughout centuries. It is unforgettably also an artform where creators learn numerous different techniques and are allowed to build without barriers. A myriad of studies have proven that pottery, similar to other forms of self expression, can also be an outlet and in the end very therapeutic. Ahmed elaborates; “Part of the issues we are facing today can be attributed to the lack of access to creative spaces, when you have such spaces, people tend to reflect on their thoughts while creating. Whether it be painting, carving or pottery, you spend a lot of time with yourself”. There is no arguing that, as a society, such a concept must be practiced in order to improve ourselves and our community. Clay studio lends us a hand in doing so.

What can Clay Studio offer you?

Equipped with a variety of classes designed carefully for beginners, amateurs and the uncertain, this local safe haven will not let you down. Tucked away in central Hulumale, Clay studio holds taster and beginner sessions, for both hand building and wheel throwing. Moreover, Junior pottery and Kids Clay studio is also available to tickle your children’s imaginative minds, and possibly give exhausted parents a breather. Additionally, there are numerous new classes that are soon to be shared with the public by the end of this month, some include; paint your own pottery, date night and group parties/corporate events. Additionally, Clay studio also does consulting, setting up studios, supplying raw materials such as clay and tools. One could say this local business’s objective is not only to introduce and share their love of pottery but also to bring people together in celebration.

In the grand scheme of things

The presence of Clay studio entering the Art and Culture industry in Maldives will indefinitely have a ripple effect. Ahmed Muaz highlights; “If you open a studio in New York, there are guaranteed customers because people are familiar with what the art field has to offer. Whereas, in Maldives it has been very limited so people may not see the benefits of spending creative time or unwinding by doing pottery. The challenging part of our work is actually convincing people that this is important for you, for the community and for Maldives.”

With big plans in starting up the first Maldivian ceramic brand, and “creating awareness through art”, Ahmed bring to light to one sad truth; there is unquestionably a lack of institutional support, restricted opportunities and boundless dead ends for local freelance/emerging artists, Clay studio hopes to collaborate and render assistance when it comes to showcasing, appraising and selling art. Taking matters into their own hands this community creative space hopes to be the change we want to see.

When will you be part of the movement? Sign up at Clay Studio Maldives.