We meet the founder of a new pottery decoration studio
If you’re craving a new creative outlet, then meet Doris Bandera, who’s just opened a home studio to teach residents how to paint on pottery.
Vienna-born Doris moved to the UAE in September 2014 following her husband’s job with the Austrian Embassy. The couple have spent the past 20 years living all over the globe, and Doris has made the most of her experiences by studying pottery in Venezuela, porcelain in Korea and mosaics in Rome.
“You can find clay everywhere in the world,” says Doris. “However, each country has come up with a different way to make pottery and unique glazing techniques. So my travels have taught me something new.”
During a seven-year stint in Turkey, Doris fell in love with the Ottoman painting style – a technique characterised by bold colours and intricate patterns painted on to pottery. She is now offering Abu Dhabi residents of all ages the chance to learn the skill.
“We start from pre-made ceramic items, such as plates or trivets to rest a teapot on, and once students are more confident we move onto tridimensional objects, such as vases or candle holders,” Doris says. “It might take four to ten hours to complete a piece.”
Classes for up to eight students are held 11am-3pm on alternate Wednesdays – the next one is 25th February. Students can choose to stay for the whole session or only part of it. AED 50 per hour, including tools and materials, tea, coffee and cookies.
The Ceramic World, Al Zeina, Al Raha Beach. Contact: 056 414 9479
www.dorisbandera.com
