When Aisha Al Saif, the young ceramist behind From Mud felt a need for the therapeutic and magical art of clay sculpting in the heart of Kuwait City, she enlisted London-based designer Rawan Muqaddas to bring her vision to life. Giving structure to a space of discovery, research, and creation where all levels of skill can come in to create a finished piece to take home, the studio's holistic approach is conveyed through clean lines and a soothing palette that reflects the binding theory behind the studio's own ethos.
Sitting comfortably on the first floor of a 1967 Modernist building in Kuwait City's textile market, the zen workspace draws inspiration and texture from the beautiful craft of clay and its simplicity. The inception of From Mud started with the observation of the movements taking place while creating with clay; from the ceramist’s own motion to the fluid lines formed by the clay itself. One of the most inviting features is the light distribution that mimics the building’s concrete façade and casts uncomplicated shadows on the space, allowing privacy through fluted glass.
“The emphasis on light was key throughout the design phase as the importance of natural and adequate light while crafting clay was in question. By interpreting the buildings façade into the rhythm of the perimeter shelving, you begin to see the interplay and juxtaposition of the facades shadows against the interior at different times of day. The fluted glass was then introduced to create translucency and allow for privacy where needed.” — designer, Rawan Muqaddas
The requirements of the space included storage and shelving that corresponds to the daily routine of the ceramicist, a kiln room, a semi-private office, and lounge area. As a continuation of the building’s concrete façade, the perimeter shelving combines steel with maple wood sourced from Malaysia and fabricated on and off site by local craftsmen. Together with the fluted glass, these key materials create a calm and functioning environment that reinforces the young potter’s mission of making clay art accessible to everyone.
