Farida Mawji

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Born in Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania, I came to Canada over thirty years ago, meandering my way through various countries with my family before settling in Vancouver.

My first brief exposure to clay a few years ago, turned into passion. Over the years I have tried different firings and techniques, challenging the clay and myself. Exploring form, texture and color are the three elements that excite me about working with clay. My creations include functional, non-functional and sculptural pieces.

 

My interests in clay are diverse. I love the translucency and the delicacy of porcelain and the robustness of the stoneware. I find playing with texture, and color and the balance between function and aesthetic exciting and challenging. Wheelwork and handbuilding are used to add interest to the forms.  The thrown pieces are at times altered to give it  a dimension. In the forms, my intention is to reach up to heaven and yet remain connected to the earth. .

 

 My work is often spontaneous, with total surrender to the sensual clay and inner guidance. Often my work is not preconceived, rather, an idea sparks my creativity and whatever emerges from that idea, becomes my artwork. 

 

 My intention -  In the process of creating art for myself, if my work awakens a memory, healing, emotions, curiosity, mystery or enlivens the mind of the viewer/user, then I will have more than succeeded in my journey of creativity and being of service to mankind.

 

My work is influenced by my East Indian Islamic heritage, my African roots, my travels, and events and influences of my present environment. I have been greatly influenced by the shapes, textures, and colors from these cultures, although I enjoy exploring other cultures. My passion for knowledge, experimenting, teaching and creating is a permanent urge that motivates me.

 

The following poem tells the story of my inspiration. 

 

In your light I learn how to love,

In your beauty, how to make poems,

You dance inside my chest,

Where no one sees you,

But sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.

Rumi.