Have you ever seen a piece of art that evokes a sense of pure nostalgia? Emirati ceramic artist Hessa Al Ajmani creates breathtaking works that capture memories of home through the beauty of botanical motifs. Each piece is meticulously hand-built using a technique called slab-building, resulting in one-of-a-kind creations that tell a unique story.
Al Ajmani’s artistic journey is deeply personal. Inspired by her cherished memories, she translates them into stunning ceramic pieces adorned with intricate botanical designs. Unlike the swiftness of wheel-thrown pottery, slab-building allows for a more deliberate and detail-oriented approach. This meticulous process reflects the deep care and thoughtfulness poured into each creation.
Working with clay has served as a therapeutic outlet for Al Ajmani, fostering a newfound appreciation for imperfections. The inherent beauty of her pieces lies not just in their flawless form but also in the subtle irregularities that imbue them with a unique character. Through her art, Al Ajmani invites us to embrace the beauty of imperfection and celebrate the stories that handcrafted objects can tell.
Unlike wheel thrown pottery, all of my pieces are meticulously hand-built using clay slabs. While a wheel-thrown piece normally takes a few minutes to make, a slab-built dish can take hours, if not days to perfect. My ceramic work speaks of my memories of home and the process of self-healing. Through imprints of flower, leaves, and patterns, it invokes a sense of nostalgia and the idea of home as a space of free thought and personal growth. With no two pieces identical, each ceramic piece is unique and holds its own character and charm. Working with clay has been especially therapeutic for me because it has nurtured my appreciation for imperfections and acceptance of things which are not necessarily within my control, thus growing my sense of patience and unconditional love for my work.
Hessa Al Ajmani
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