Expression of care for Ukraine

Surrey Adult Learning Tutor Shriyani is a ceramic artist who works from her garden studio in Surrey. As a talented freelance artist, she exhibits her work and also accepts commissions. She studied ceramic art at the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff, now called the Metropolitan University of Wales. Shriyani is a valued member of our teaching staff, bringing more than twenty years' experience of working with adult learners.

Shriyani's work comprises of wheel thrown and hand-built clay work, pattern drawn and painted. High-fired stoneware and porcelain clay pieces are amongst her creations, and silk screen printed images are transferred onto the clay. She applies body stains and oxides for painting.

Shriyani's new collection entitled "Fire, Flame and Fear" has been kindly donated to Surrey Adult Learning, to raise funds for those affected by the humanitarian conflict in Ukraine. Her motivation for these pieces has been the images of Ukrainian refugee's helplessness, experience of isolation and the destructive forces of war. This art hopes to reflect the fire, flames and fear of each individual soul affected in Ukraine.

Red earthenware clay from Shriyani's garden, has been mixed with white stoneware clay and used to create the effects of flame in the clay body. All the pieces were handmade and echo the destruction, emptiness, impermanence, and human suffering through the cracks in each piece. The use of two types of clay have created art that is disintegrating, separating, and reflecting the sense of loss that many Ukrainian people are experiencing. For them right now there is nothing but Fire, Flames and Fear.

The stunning artwork will be displayed at the Guildford Centre.

If you would like to donate to the Ukrainian appeal, please visit the British Red Cross appeal.

Surrey Adult Learning is planning to offer English courses to Ukrainian adults and their family members supported through the Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme. These courses will start in our Summer term from April 2022.

Surrey Adult Learning tutor, Shriyani in her garden studio.