Jan DSaI was invited to watch Dubai based ceramic artist Michael Rice throw a pot as part of a live demonstration at Pullman Hotel Deira. I avoided the peak hour traffic by taking the metro from the Mall of the Emirates, Barsha right through to Deira City Centre Metro station (mind the 20 minute walk from the station to the Pullman Hotel Deira via the mall). I’m a big fan of live art demonstrations and this event reminded me of my experimentalist pottery journey with Homa Farley in Abu Dhabi (read blog posts here and here).
Michael Rice is the second artist chosen by the Pullman hotel Deira to showcase his art as part of an exhibition. From what I understood, two more artists have been chosen to exhibit their work in 2014, as part of the Pullman’s artist-in-residence program. Laurent Chaudel, General Manager of Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre hotel, introduced the artist to us the live demonstration began. The pot creation was accompanied by solo flute player Roland Bryce, whose impromptu music complemented the live demonstration very well.
Ceramic artist Michael Rice and General Manager, Pullman Deira Dubai, Laurent Chaudel
The exhibition took place in partnership with CASPAIOU, Dubai International Art Centre and Repton School Dubai.
Here are some photos from the event.
The zebra patterned sculpture by Michael Rice, as seen in the reception of Pullman Hotel
Facing the reception, a Michael Rice sculpture at Pullman Hotel Deira
Another zebra patterned bowl by Michael Rice at Pullman Dubai
Roland Bryce plays the flute while Michael created a pot. Supplied photo – used with permission
The Process of throwing a pot
Three big balls of clay. The pottery ‘machine’ sits next to the clay.
The bucket of water to wash away the clay from the hands once the basic form is moulded. The white plastic container has some water with the tools that the potter will use. Fascinating!
Step 1: The clay is thrown on the machine and the moulding begins. Supplied photo. Used with permission.
This is the most fascinating part – people love live demos of sorts. Quite a great turn out. Supplied Photo – used with permission.
The bowl takes shape. Supplied photo – used with permission
Michael uses a small tool to keep the bowl symmetrical as it revolves on the machine. Supplied photo – used with permission
Questions!!! In between his interview with MBC, I managed to get hold of Michael – I wanted to know what the wire was used for , what juggered meant and the guitar plectrum looking tool was used for. Supplied photo – used with permission.