Why Urth?

The studio aims to support people’s well-being while taking care of our environment, ,  You + Earth = Urth.

When Zein Akkad moved to Australia from Syria seven years ago, she started
pottery classes and it changed her life for the better. The conflict in her home
country had taken a toll on her mental health. But pottery gave her a creative
outlet and helped to focus and calm her mind.
She found this art form so engaging and addictive that she learnt as much as
possible about it, experimenting with different techniques such as slab building,
wheel throwing, Japanese form pressing and kirinuki.
Gradually, she started to feel much better. ‘I noticed how positive my feelings
were when working with clay,’ says Zein. She believes this is because the touch
and feel of this medium is beneficial on many levels. And recent studies in
neuroscience support this, showing that sensory activities, such as moulding
clay, can be soothing to the nervous system and help people recover from
trauma1.
In fact, she began her largest sculpture one night because she was feeling anxious
and overwhelmed. With English as her third language, it can be difficult to
articulate her feelings through talking. Zein explains, ‘the easiest way to express
myself and relieve stress is to dig my hands in clay.’
So, she stacked up eight bags of clay and started making a 1-metre sculpture.
Using the kirinuki technique, she carved the outside to get the desired shape,
then cut the sculpture in half and hollowed out the inside. The sculpture was raw
glazed with a spray gun, then fired 4 times at different temperatures (see
technical notes for details).
People comment that the finished sculpture looks a bit like coral. But to Zein the
bumpy patterns reflect the folds and creases of the brain and the vertical lines
remind her of veins. All together, the sculpture represents the brain, body and
nervous system working in harmony to create a state of wellbeing. It’s a symbol
of inner balance on all levels: mental, physical and emotional.
Having witnessed the therapeutic effects of clay on herself and others, she also
‘wanted to help the local community.’ So with a grant for ‘art and mental health’,
she started Urth Clay Studio, teaching mindfulness pottery classes to adults and
children. And today, over 400 people a month attend the sessions.
Now, seven years after finding a new home in Australia, Zein is using her passion with 10 other amazing ladies who share the same passion for ceramics to give back to the community. With their enthusiasm for pottery and
positive mental health, the classes boost the creativity and wellbeing of everyone that comes to Urth Clay Studio.

Urth Clay Studio is available now in 2 locations in Australian cities, Adelaide, SA and Melbourne, VIC

Pay it forward?

Is a program funded privately to support organizations and events that we believe have a huge value,  we mainly aim to support people’s wellbeing and mental health by offering free sessions and vouchers, some of the organizations and businesses we have collaborated with in the past few years;

RMHC: Giving seriously ill children the best gift of all – their families.

Flinders Foundation: Together, we raise vital funds to support the leading clinicians and researchers across Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University to make medical discoveries and improve the care available to patients and their families.

It’s all for kids: It’s All For Kids is a puzzle and activity booklet promoting health and safety issues to children who are unfortunate enough to be hospitalized. The activity book aims to keep them occupied and relaxed whilst in this traumatic and frightening situation.

50 free tickets for an event to support health workers and teachers’ mental health and wellbeing during COIVD-19.

vouchers for a silent auctions for many public schools.

On the other hand, some local businesses  and organizations were a big factor in our success, we want to say thank you for your support:

Mum’s little explorer https://mumslittleexplorers.com/urth-clay-studio-melbourne/ 

Glam Adelaide , Australian Ceramics association , Gallery 247 , What’s on in Adelaide. 

Women and children’s Hospital.

Listed as one of the best pottery classes in Melbourne  STITCHU

Kids in Adelaide 

Play and Go

Eventbrite 

 

Classbento

Red baloon

Try booking 

Stitchu 

 

 

 

 

Embracing the Therapeutic Power of Clay at Our Pottery Studio

At our pottery studio, we hold a deep-seated belief in the transformative and therapeutic properties of working with clay. Beyond the artistry and craftsmanship, we recognize and celebrate the profound impact pottery has on one’s well-being and mental health.

Here’s why we strongly advocate for the therapeutic effect of clay:

  1. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Working with clay inherently encourages mindfulness. The tactile nature of shaping and molding clay demands focused attention, allowing individuals to immerse themselves fully in the present moment. It becomes a meditative practice, fostering relaxation and reducing stress levels.
  2. Expression and Creativity: Clay provides a unique medium for self-expression. It offers a canvas where individuals can freely express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through the art they create. This creative outlet serves as a form of catharsis, enabling individuals to process their feelings and experiences in a non-verbal way.
  3. Sense of Accomplishment: Pottery-making involves a series of steps and processes, from shaping the clay to firing and glazing. Each completed piece symbolizes progress and achievement. The sense of accomplishment derived from creating something beautiful and tangible can boost self-esteem and confidence.
  4. Therapeutic Benefits: Engaging with clay can have therapeutic benefits for mental health. It has been known to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The repetitive motions and the act of creating something from raw material can instill a sense of purpose and joy.
  5. Community and Support: Our studio fosters a supportive community. Engaging in pottery alongside others creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Sharing experiences, learning together, and supporting each other’s creative journeys form a vital aspect of our therapeutic environment.

Our commitment goes beyond teaching pottery techniques. We strive to create a space where individuals can explore the therapeutic aspects of clay, find solace in its transformative nature, and experience the healing power of artistry.

Whether you’re seeking a moment of tranquility, a means to express yourself, or a path towards personal growth, our pottery studio invites you to discover the therapeutic benefits of working with clay. Join us on this journey to unlock the profound healing potential that lies within the art of pottery-making.