My name is Ria and I am the artist behind OrangeJar. Through the years I have worn a lot of hats – workshop documentor, barista, entrepreneur, writer, events organizer, video producer and a handful more, and I have enjoyed each and every one of them. In the background, there was always art – drawing and painting, particularly people and faces. My parents, and now my loving hubby, are supportive of my messy, creative process. Since those early days, I have also added photography and sculpting to my artistic expression.

It was in 2010 when I first used polymer clay. I attended a museum talk with a friend to learn about the history of pottery in Sharjah. The hosts explained how traditional pots were made and then had us try our hands making one. Instead of kiln-fired clay, we used polymer clay. It was the first time I have ever used the material and it was amazingly easy to use and cure. Mimicking traditional pottery methods, we formed long, tiny logs and built them up, forming pots. The hosts liked my pot so much that they asked to keep it to show other visitors. How cool is that? My first polymer clay work is in a museum!

A quick online search and I found a world I never knew existed: miniature foods, amazing sculptures, intricate art dolls, beautiful jewelry and I barely skimmed the pool of possibilities this medium can make. Needless to say, I fell in love. My love for people and faces easily translated to art dolls and now I create fantasy characters, babies and Santas. I continue to learn everyday and I hope you like what I produce from all these.