منها وإليها
Minha wa Ilayha
From the earth, and back to it.
Before you book
Your piece returns to the earth.
What you shape is not fired or taken home. At the close of the evening, every piece is folded back into one shared mound. That clay is reclaimed and passed on to the next gathering, and the next, and the next, carrying a trace of every pair of hands that has held it.
Like the energy in each of us, nothing is lost. It only changes form and moves on, and for one evening, you become part of that cycle.
This is the very first Minha wa Ilayha. The clay hasn't been shaped by anyone yet. You will be the first hands to hold it, and what you return becomes the clay every gathering after begins with.
What you leave with
The idea
Make freely. Nothing is lost. Everything returns.
Minha wa Ilayha means “from it, and to it.” It describes exactly what happens to the clay: it comes from the earth, takes a form in your hands for a while, and returns.
Most of what we make is judged by how it turns out. Here, the outcome is set aside. When you know the clay will return and be passed on to whoever comes next, you stop trying to get it right and start enjoying the act of shaping. What stays with you isn't the object, but the time you spent making it, together.
Side by side, separate makings are folded into one material, a quiet reminder that we are all shaped from the same clay.
The clay mirrors us. It comes from the earth, takes a form for a while, returns, and becomes part of something new in someone else's hands.
The evening
Two unhurried hours
- Settle in with a drink and a short welcome.
- Your own ball of clay waits at your seat. Open, unhurried making, with gentle prompts if you want them.
- We look at what was made and share a few words, or none.
- Every piece is folded back into one shared mound.
- A few closing words, then conversation.
Tap a moment to see what happens.
What’s included
Clay and tools
Set at your seat
A drink
From Two Neighbors
A polaroid
Of the evening
A gift
Handmade, yours to keep
The majlis
For this first gathering, our majlis is Two Neighbors: clay-toned walls, soft arches and warm light, a space that already feels shaped by hand.
Your drink
Choose any one
- Cappuccino / Flat White
- Spanish Latte / Classic LatteIced or hot
- Americano / Espresso
- Orange LatteIced or hot
- White Chocolate Matcha
- Karkade Cloud
Two Neighbors, Souq Madinat Badr, Al Muhaisnah, Dubai
Photos by @doitwithwilly
Questions
Do I take my piece home?
No. Your piece returns to the shared mound and is passed on to the next gathering. You leave with a polaroid and a handmade gift.
Do I need any experience?
None. There is no technique to learn and nothing to get right.
What should I wear?
Something comfortable that you don't mind getting a little clay on. It washes out easily.
Who is it for?
Anyone who wants to slow down and make something with their hands. Come on your own or bring a friend; either way, you’ll be welcomed like family. Open to adults of every background and every belief.
What if I can't make it?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the gathering and you’ll be refunded, minus payment fees. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before aren’t refundable.