A CERAMIC artist from Burnley is showcasing her work in Qatar.

Shahida Ahmed is renowned as the first female British Muslim ceramic artist in the UK who works in clay.

She won a scholarship at the Royal College of Arts, where she studied under American ceramicist Jim Robinson, and she has since won numerous awards for her work.

The 42-year-old, who now lives in Nelson, has also been commissioned to create statement pieces for people and organisations all over the world – from the VIP Lounge in Dubai, to the Oklahoma mosque, to the presidential palace and British High Commission in Islamabad. Shahida has even made pieces for a private exhibition for HRH Prince Charles and for Prime Minister David Cameron’s private collection.

Her Islamic faith often influences Shadia’s artwork and her latest exhibition, in Qatar, is called Oneness and explores ‘the 99 names of Allah and the 7 heavens.’ The exhibit is made up of different sized monocrome clay and wooden cubes, and is designed to represent a whole variety of themes including religion, identity and beauty.

Shahida said: “Every piece of clay has its own characteristics, just like humanity. I don’t create art for appreciation, I just do it. It is what I believe in strongly.

“Art is not just about beauty, for me it is a dialogue and about meaning. It is up to the audience to connect and engage with each piece.”

The exhibition will be on display in Qatar throughout the holy month of Ramadhan.