Visit Fujairah University

On the sixth of November, the School of Calligraphy and Ornament received a group of students from Fujairah University, a visit that had a different character than the school visits the centre had hosted in previous days. Fifteen male and female students from diverse specialisations came, each with a different interest in art, whether as a cultural aspect or as a technique they wanted.

After the tour, the students headed to the watercolour botanical illustration workshop, led by instructor Shaifoon. The workshop was an opportunity for them to step away from the pressures of university studies and immerse themselves in an artistic experience that required calmness and concentration. The instructor explained the principles of forming shapes using light and shadow, and how to blend colours to achieve a more realistic look. She then asked each student to pick a blank sheet of paper and attempt to draw a simple botanical element, often a small apple or a plant leaf, and everyone immediately began to experiment.

It was clear that the students' skill levels varied, with some having prior experience in using watercolours, while the experience was entirely new for others. Nevertheless, the workshop was a space where everyone was on an equal footing, as each student was engrossed in their own exploration, attempting to achieve a satisfactory outcome without pressure or comparison. The scene of concentration seemed to stretch across the hall, with each person bent over their paper, working slowly, as if time had paused for a few moments.

As time went on, the outlines of the artworks began to emerge. Some students chose bold colours that reflected their personal style, while others opted for softer, more restrained shades. The workshop turned into a simple space for discussion about colours and techniques, and the instructor shared brief feedback to help them improve their shading or adjust their brushstrokes. These small moments were enough to change some students' perspectives on painting, with several expressing their surprise at their ability to produce an acceptable piece in just one hour.

At the end of the workshop, the students gathered to review their work and compare it informally. Smiles were evident, not necessarily due to the quality of the results, but because the experience offered a sense of comfort and calm that is often absent from students' lives. Some expressed a desire to return to the centre to experience other workshops, while others inquired about the longer courses offered by Soco.

The students left the venue carrying their works in one hand and a renewed interest in Islamic art in the other, as if the visit had redefined art for them as a field that could be easily approached when the right conditions were met. The visit was quiet and light, but it left an impact that might last longer than they expected.