Artist Muna Ally Delivers an Art in Residency Workshop

Nov 11, 2024

We welcomed artist Muna Ally to our first ‘art in residency’ program in July 2024.

Muna graduated in Surface Design from the University of the Arts in London and is a photographer and ceramist. Muna delivered mono-printing sessions to our Pottery Workshop, and our participants explored different textures while making prints and created their own vase designs using mono-printing. After attending the mono-print sessions, they also made vases based on their mono-prints.

One resident, Amy, said: “I really enjoyed it. Muna was very good and taught me different things. I learnt how to do mono-printing. I really liked glazing my vase with the same colours as my prints. It was really nice having someone come from outside for the workshop. I decorated my vase with my writing.”

Our community has been delivering evening ceramic courses for the public since 2023 by local ceramic artists Andrew Macdermott, Rosa Wiland Holmes and Emi Fujisawa. Muna had access to our pottery workshop and was offered the opportunity to attend one of the evening ceramic courses in exchange for her mono-printing sessions. She has created a new collection of ceramics inspired by flowers.

Muna said, “My time during the residency was split between teaching a series of mono-printing workshops and studio sessions exploring my ceramic practice. I felt very supported throughout by Emi to explore my craft and expand my understanding of hand-building techniques. Camphill offered all the resources and materials I needed to really produce work that stood out. The exchange with the residents was eye-opening and complimented my practice well. I also felt very supported by the staff who assisted with the sessions, and it was great to see everyone so engaged in the activities. Overall, I enjoyed my time there and have been inspired to bring forward my strengthened workshop hosting abilities to my new project in Zanzibar.”

Muna moved to Zanzibar this summer, where she has been setting up her new business venture to train the next generation of artisans. She also plans to display her new ceramics collection at the gallery.

Our first art in residency was very successful. Muna delivered well-planned sessions and supported our participants in achieving their outcomes. Our craft support workers and volunteers also had opportunities to explore mono-printing techniques. In December, we will display this project, including prints and ceramic vases, in our Camphill Café.

We are very keen to set up our art residency program seasonally to introduce different techniques to our participants, helping them develop their art skills in our Craft Workshop department, including weaving, pottery, art and craft. If you are interested in running a creative workshop with us, please contact our Craft Workshop Coordinator, Emi (Emi.Fujisawa@Camphillmk.co.uk).