Made in Calgary: River of Ceramics’ Pottery Brings Beautiful, Delicate Faces to Life

by Viancy Salubre

Rima Sobh was always searching for an art form that clicked with her. After trying painting and photography, it wasn’t until she took her first pottery class in spring, 2018 that she felt like she had found it. That winter, she went on to sell 35 pieces at her first market under her pottery brand, River of Ceramics.

Sobh creates a range of vases, cups, pots and homewares that all feature a face with closed eyelids and a nose delicately sculpted into the surface. The meticulous handbuilding and sculpting allows her to be creative with her design process.

Sobh forms the facial features into the clay with her hands and a sponge, and uses rounded ceramic tools or the end of paintbrushes for fine details. Large collections of her work typically drop three or four times per year.

An artist sits beside pieces of pottery with sculpted faces — Photo courtesy of River of Ceramics

Beginner ceramists can also learn from Sobh at her upcoming pop-up workshops through Clay Club YYC, where guests can learn fundamental handbuilding and sculpting techniques.

“It’s a skill in itself to be able to articulate things the right way and teach people,” says Sobh. “I thought that maybe teaching wasn’t for me, but I’m just grateful to try again and be a part of the community.”

riverofceramics.com

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