Shaping Awareness: How Maison Terraē Uses The Art Of Sculpting To Empower Women in Breast Cancer Education
Dubai’s newest contemporary ceramics studio uses hands-on pottery to support women in breast cancer awareness
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the MENA region, constituting 25 percent of all new female cancer cases, particularly among those under the age of 50. While October marks breast cancer awareness month – a time where we honour those affected, acknowledge progress, and highlight the advances shaping women’s health – the need for awareness extends well beyond the month itself. Early detection is one of the strongest actions available to us, and while medical technology continues to advance and make that possible, self-examination remains a powerful tool that is often overlooked. Studies show that approximately 70 percent of breast cancer cases in younger women are first detected by the women themselves.
Dr. Mariana Barretto, Integrative Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, says, “breast cancer is a very real, very common cancer. And although it can’t be prevented entirely, early detection can significantly reduce its chances of developing. For millions of women around the world, that means practising self-examination, educating themselves, and breaking down the psychological barriers that risk mitigation.”
Maison Terraē – Dubai’s newest ceramics studio – launched in partnership with Dr. Mariana, seeking to reduce the prevailing barriers of self-examination, including the fear behind detection. Prioritising community through this sensitive time, they hosted an intimate gathering that brought together women from diverse nationalities and backgrounds to sculpt clay as a way of understanding the female body, and gently desensitising the practice of examination.
The exclusive session invited participants to shape breast-inspired art through pottery, mirroring the process of a self-exam. Bridging the gap between awareness and action, the gentle and mindful moulding offered women a moment to reflect, connect with their bodies, and grow more comfortable in their own skin. The final touch to each piece was adding an intentional lump, serving as a symbolic reminder of the realities many women face. This gave women the chance to transform fear into something tangible, confronting what is often unspoken, and rising above taboos to reclaim strength and embody growth.
“Clay and sculpture have been ways of understanding the human body and experience for thousands of years,” says Fiona Suissa, Co-Founder of Maison Terraē. “Our mission at Maison Terraē is to help people explore the art of ceramics. And when it comes to fighting the fear of finding breast cancer symptoms, this analogy was one that could not be ignored.”
One in seven women globally are diagnosed with breast cancer, hence, Maison Terraē brought seven inspirational women together for a unique initiaive.
Cancer survivor, Sara Raffaghello, says, “I was that one in seven, sat around the table, which is a stark reminder of how prevalent this disease is. But as someone that detected my cancer early through self-examination, I was thrilled to be part of a campaign that uniquely urges action over awareness. Shaping our art works out of clay was an incredible ice-breaker and I encourage more people to explore the opportunity.”
Maison Terraē’s Clay campaign supports women to take control of their health and embrace awareness as a life-saving action rather than a source of fear; reminding us that early detection and understanding are not the enemy, but instead a pathway to prevention.
Held at Goshi Warehouse in Al Quoz, this session continues throughout November, extending the impact of Breast Cancer Awareness beyond October.
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