Desk Diaries : Artist Wafa Al Falahi Invites You To Explore Her Colour-Soaked Studio

Harpers Bazaar Arabia

19-05-2025

The Emirati designer ushers Bazaar Arabia into the workspace that sparks her creativity
Dubai-based creative Wafa Al Falahi is constantly looking for her next challenge. The young Emirati, an American University of Sharjah graduate in interior design, constantly draws inspiration from her native country – her work Roots was based on a biodegradable plastic derived from henna and she launched Slip stools that echo Fujairah's potters' chairs.
Known for working in clay, the ceramicist's portfolio is continuously diversifying, with forays into furniture and interiors, plus exploration of materials – a primary focus. After receiving residencies from local artistic incubators like Tashkeel and the Cultural Foundation, the artist set up her own multi-disciplinary Sorbe Studio in the nation's capital a year ago – and recently invited Bazaar Arabia to explore her space and talk about how it influences her work.
How does your profession inspire your work area?
My multi-disciplinary career naturally influences the design and organisation of my studio space. This is evident in the diverse mediums present within it and the spatial segregation of the space entirely as well. It's segregated into different zones dedicated to interior architecture, sculpture and drawing – each discipline bleeds into the other visually but functionally remains intact.
How do you get into the office every day?
I drive from my home in Dubai to my studio in Abu Dhabi every other day.
Do you have a look you feel comfortable in for work?
I don't stick to a specific work uniform; my studio attire shifts with the day's tasks. When diving into painting or sculpting, I go for comfort – sweatpants, a loose shirt, and an apron paired with a choice from my extensive Crocs collection. On days focused on dry mediums or drawing, I like to elevate my style, often opting for pieces from Maison Margiela, Loewe, Prada or Bottega Veneta.
What has been your career highlight to date?
Travelling to Paris to showcase Sprout, a bioplastic pomegranate lamp I designed, at Maison&Objet. It was an honour to be in the presence of so many designers I look up to.
Can you tell us about any current projects?
I'm focussed on broadening my design practice by taking on more projects related to space-making. My goal is to evolve Sorbe Studios into a multi-disciplinary spacemaking studio, integrating various design disciplines to create cohesive and innovative environments. This expansion reflects my commitment to pushing creative boundaries and exploring new facets of design.
How does the design of Sorbe Studios reflect your tastes and preferences?
My studio's design is a natural extension of my personal style – fluid, organic, and cohesive. Each element aligns with my aesthetic, creating a space that authentically reflects who I am. This approach ensures that my workspace not only supports my creative endeavours but also embodies the same fluidity and organic essence that define my personal style.
Do you have a specific workday schedule?
I begin each day by organising my desk to align with the tasks ahead. This practice not only sets a clear intention for the day but also enhances my focus and efficiency. An organised workspace minimises distractions, allowing me to concentrate fully on my creative endeavours. I maintain this order throughout the day, ensuring that my environment remains conducive to productivity.
Do you have any special items that you feel make a statement within your office?
My favourite piece in the office right now is a bull head sculpture I've been working on. It's a project that really speaks to me because it captures the transformative power of moulding – taking something raw and even a bit gruesome, and gently reshaping it into an emblem of unexpected softness, and depth.
How does your office environment influence your mood and mind-set throughout the day?
When my office is organized, it transforms into more than just a workspace – it becomes a catalyst for my creativity. When everything is in order, I feel a noticeable boost in both productivity and contentment. I see it as a daily challenge: how much of the available space can I transform into an inspiring, functional area? This mindful cultivation of my environment not only elevates my mood but also energises my creative process, pushing me to explore new ideas and possibilities.
Any essentials that you cannot ever part with?
The one thing on my desk that I simply cannot live without is my sketchbook. It's more than just a notebook – it's a living archive of my creative process. Every page offers a blank canvas where fleeting ideas and concepts take shape, evolving into designs that fuel my projects. Whether I'm jotting down spontaneous thoughts or developing detailed plans, my sketchbook is where creativity starts and grows, making it an indispensable part of my day·
Did you have a clear vision for your office space, or has it evolved organically over time?
The vision for my office space has always been fluid – it's like a living canvas that evolves as my creative explorations do. I started with a general idea, but as I delve into new mediums and ideas, the space naturally adapts to reflect that growth. I like to keep things flexible, allowing the environment to transform along with my work, ensuring it remains an authentic extension of who I am.
From Harper's Bazaar Arabia May 2025 Issue.