Elias was a volunteer at the Community Workshops for many years: “I want to share my love for clay”

Elias Mohd (64), visual artist, worked as a volunteer and teacher at the Ceramics Community Workshops on Cliffordstraat in Amsterdam for 19 years. He was his mother’s tenth child in Malaysia. In the artistic family (father woodcarver, mother potter), Elias was already sculpting at the age of three. This marked the beginning of a remarkable career of a great artist.“Initially, I actually wanted to become a dentist,” Elias explains. “I used to look at people’s teeth often and thought about how I could make them look more beautiful.” However, he eventually went to the Academy for Graphic Design. He became an illustrator at an editorial office, but after two years, he had the opportunity to create butter, ice, and chocolate sculptures as an interior designer for a large hotel. He also became a fashion designer for well-known Malaysians. During the three years he studied Fine Arts in England, he got to know the Netherlands during his vacations.”

Olympic Games Exhibition

He was immediately enthusiastic about the country. “I found the Netherlands to be the paradise of art!” Elias enthusiastically tells. “Rembrandt, Van Gogh, the Rijksmuseum! Moreover, I found the mentality of the Dutch warm and cordial.” Through a friend, he was able to sell his paintings at an art market in Amsterdam. To his great joy, Elias received a grant of 18,000 euros and a residence permit to attend the European Ceramic Work Centre. When his series of sculptures on sports and ballet was exhibited in a gallery in Amsterdam, he was chosen to contribute to an exhibition at the Barcelona Olympics.

All over the world

“That was the breakthrough in my career: I was asked for exhibitions in Switzerland, Brussels, and Germany. I also had many exhibitions in Malaysia. Even for the royal family.” Elias’s paintings and sculptures were welcomed everywhere. This great success lasted until 2003. “That’s when liver cancer was diagnosed in me,” Elias says. “I was actually given up on. For two years, I stayed in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. I ended up in a wheelchair as a disabled person and was declared terminal.” Miraculously, Elias recovered.

Sharing knowledge

Elias ended up at the Neighborhood Workshops on Cliffordstraat 19 years ago as a disabled ceramist. The organization quickly realized that his ceramics were very special and offered him the opportunity to teach. “I love sharing my knowledge with other people,” Elias enthusiastically explains. “I work from my own method, where all rules are set aside. It’s earth. I love it when people fall in love with clay. When they are surprised and enjoy the possibilities. That’s what I want to share with people.”

Human being

For 19 years, Elias volunteered one day a week. “Volunteers maintain harmony and a pleasant atmosphere in the workplace,” Elias believes, “I really enjoy giving advice. It doesn’t have to be as a volunteer, but I find it fulfilling. I am a real people person and I like it when the workplace is cozy. Every year, a party is organized for all volunteers. I find that very special. Then we eat together or go to a nice show. That way you really feel appreciated.” In addition to his volunteer work, Elias teaches and still creates his own work that he sells in a permanent gallery and through a website. Since the beginning of 2024, Elias has stopped volunteering for personal reasons.

A private museum

When asked about his life motto, Elias doesn’t have to think long: “Live simply and make sure you have no debt. I want to welcome everyone. Passion is everything. ‘Just do it’ is my motto. I have respect for everyone, regardless of their level.” Elias has two storage spaces full of homemade art. “My dream is, if I ever go back to Malaysia, to start my own museum. If all my art doesn’t find a place there, I will give the rest to nursing homes.”

Are you enthusiastic?

Are you also an artist? And would you like to share your talents and skills? Contact the [contact].Community workshopsat Cliffordstraat about the possibilities to volunteer in one of the many workshops.

Curious about other volunteer opportunities in Amsterdam? Check thejob boardfrom the Volunteer Center Amsterdam!Interview: Thecla Groot Koerkamp
Photographer: Jackie Mulder
Website Elias Mohd:www.eliasmohd.com