Pottery classes with Irina
Two hours with clay
I teach small hand-building pottery classes in Abu Dhabi. I keep the groups to six people or fewer, so I can sit with everyone and help with their piece properly.
You don't need any experience, and you don't need to think of yourself as creative. You just need two hours.
Clay picks up everything. How hard you press, how fast you're moving, whether you've actually settled or you're still in your day. Most people notice it about twenty minutes in, when they slow down without meaning to.
Enquire about a classWhat you'll make
Each class has its own theme, so there's always a starting point: a fluted bowl, a bud vase for a single stem, a jewellery holder, a tumbler or an espresso cup. Every theme leaves plenty of room to experiment and express yourself through clay. We shape the piece together, and you make it your own from there: more texture, a different rim, whatever feels right while you're working.
Pieces are finished in a clear or white food-safe glaze, not paint, so the shape and texture you made stay the thing you see. After the class I dry, glaze and fire your piece twice, and it's ready to collect about three weeks later.
Small group
Group classes
Up to six people, for about two hours. I run these at a few cafés and spaces around Abu Dhabi. Upcoming dates are listed below.
From 280 AED per person
Private
Private classes
If you'd like a class just for you, I also teach privately, for one person, a couple or a small group of friends. We choose the date and the place together. It works well for a birthday, as a gift, or simply as a different kind of evening out.
Prices on request
For teams and larger groups, send me a message and we'll work something out.
Upcoming classes
Feelings in Form
Co Chocolat, Al Zeina, Abu Dhabi
Includes a drink and a pastry
New dates are added here. If none of them suit you, send me a message and we'll find one that does.
Good to know
Do I need any experience?
No. Most people at the table are working with clay for the first time.
What is included?
Unlimited clay, tools, an apron, clear or white glaze, two firings and my help throughout. Classes at Co Chocolat also include a drink and a pastry.
Is there any painting?
No. Every piece is finished in a clear or white food-safe glaze, so the shape and texture stay the thing you see.
When can I take my piece home?
About three weeks after the class, once it has dried and been fired twice.
Can I use it for food?
Yes. Your piece is food safe. Wash it by hand and keep it out of the microwave and dishwasher.
How many people are in a class?
Six or fewer, so I can sit with everyone and help with their piece properly.
About me
I'm Irina
I’m the ceramicist behind Aesthii. From my studio in Abu Dhabi, I make hand-built stoneware, both decorative and functional, always with character and a sculptural feel.
I rarely begin with a fixed plan. Each piece develops intuitively, guided by the clay’s movement, the pressure of my hands, and the small decisions that appear along the way. I’m drawn to gentle asymmetry, texture, and forms that hold both a sense of ease and intention. No two pieces are exactly alike.
You can explore available work in the shop.
Pottery Classes
My pottery classes are a relaxed introduction to hand-building with clay. Rather than focusing on perfect results or strict techniques, we work slowly and experimentally, learning how to pinch, coil, fold, and shape clay into forms that feel personal.
I’ll guide you through the process of creating your own piece. The sessions are for beginners and curious makers alike: a chance to step away from the rush of everyday life, work with your hands, and enjoy the pleasure of making something from scratch.
Come as you are. No previous experience is needed.
See my work
Book a class
Send me a message and tell me what you're looking
for, whether that's a place in a group class, a private
class or something for your team.
I'll get back to you myself.