In the heart of Riyadh’s Al-Yasmin district, Terracotta Studio, founded by Ghada Al-Malki, is a sanctuary for women seeking both artistic expression and emotional wellness. Al-Malki, drawing from her background in psychology, established the studio to share the therapeutic benefits of pottery, which she describes as “a form of therapy that helps release negative energy.”
Originally starting with beading, her journey expanded to pottery, driven by a desire to create a space where women could relax and connect with art. “When I worked with beads, I felt: Wow! So I thought I must learn another craft,” Al-Malki explains. That excitement led her to pottery and inspired the opening of the studio.
Terracotta Studio offers pottery workshops where women can create cups, plates, and other items, as well as paint their creations. “Painting itself is an art,” she says, emphasizing the holistic experience of creativity.
The response has exceeded her expectations, with many participants reporting improved relaxation and even better sleep. “Some people contact me later and say: ‘Ghada, I truly felt like I had the best sleep in a long time; I feel much more relaxed.’ That feeling wipes away all the exhaustion at the end of the day,” Al-Malki shared.
However, running the studio is not without challenges. “The biggest issue we face is real estate. Rental prices are high and raw materials are not available in Saudi Arabia, so they are expensive for us,” she notes. Despite these hurdles, she aims to expand the studio, especially to include activities for children.
Terracotta Studio also showcases student works through exhibitions, giving participants a platform to celebrate their creativity.