Students at the American University in Dubai have been turning their hand to ceramics under the tuition of Michael Rice, the university’s new associate professor of studio art. Rice is an accomplished ceramic artist who has exhibited in several venues across Dubai and through his 3D design course, has taught some of the main techniques of making and the methods of firing in the ancient art of ceramics.
The results, an interesting array of shapes, sizes and colours are currently on display in the university’s Rotunda Gallery.
“Clay is one of the oldest materials man has used in the creation of both art and technology,” says Rice. “From humble pots to sculpture and scientific devices, clay continues to fascinate and amaze us with its ability to transform into a spectrum of applications. It is also an extremely therapeutic material and working with it is quite an experience, one that gets under your skin and everywhere else!
Students exhibiting in this exhibition are Aisha Almohtadi, Basma Abdou, Cham Al Malla, Farah Nasser, Hetavi Mandalia, Jessica Khawam, Kamel ElHaj, Maryam Ghadi, Paolo Benitez, Reem Sinjab, Sabtain Sharif, Sarbjyoti Sahni, Shouk Al Sayegh, Zhiwen Shan and Zoha Bagasrawala.
Professor Woodman Taylor, chair of the visual commuications department at AUD says: “It is astounding to see how quickly the students have learned how to create the ceramic work on display in the ‘Fired Up’ exhibition held in the Department of Visual Communication’s Rotunda Gallery. This is a testament to not only the teaching capability of Professor Michael Rice, but also how he has so quickly transferred his passion for ceramics to our students.”
