Shima Amia, Oman’s foremost coin collector, underscores the invaluable role coins play in enhancing our understanding of human life. Her deep affection for coins stems from their unique ability to connect art, industry and economy, within any civilisation.
She sees coins as a bridge to history and culture, and she consistently strives to incorporate these elements into her designs, reflecting her distinctive perspective.
Shima practices ancient coin replication through the age-old art of pottery, creating a captivating journey that immerses the audience in a transcendent experience, blurring the lines between past and present and evoking a range of emotions.
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Her work replicates the ancient wealth represented by thousands of metal coins discovered in excavations.
Shima’s studio in Athaiba is where her creativity flourishes. Adorned with numerous Omani souvenirs and a variety of artistic wall hangings, it serves as the backdrop for her primary medium, ceramic art. Through this medium, she expertly expresses the beauty and contrast between the old and the new, reflecting the history of cultures.
The process of creating coins through ceramics is meticulous, often taking several days and involving multiple steps. She carefully selects the type of coin and clay, keeping in mind the final glaze she intends to apply. After transferring the design onto a clay slab, she employs various techniques, including carving, engraving and sculpting to add a 3D dimension.
Proper drying is essential to prevent cracking or warping. Once the coin has fully dried, it is fired in a kiln for approximately 10 hours, typically reaching temperatures between 1,000 to 1,080 degrees. After this initial firing, the piece is ready for glazing.
Shima ensures it is clean before applying the chosen glaze and firing it once more, this time for another 10 hours, usually at temperatures ranging from 1,100 to 1,180 degrees. If she wishes to incorporate gold or silver elements, a third firing is executed at around 800 degrees, resulting in the final product.
Shima passionately believes that cultural exchange coins silently yet powerfully represent a nation’s historical progress. The characteristics of each civilisation, including the choice of metal, patterns, images, motifs, calligraphy and numerical symbolism, are distinctly embedded in these coins’ appearance and style.
“Coins have become an integral part of everyday life, woven into the fabric of colloquial language, idioms, expressions, and even children’s songs. They serve as a measure of one's credibility and social status,” she mentions.
Inspired by her move from Iran to Oman in 2013, Shima draws inspiration from nature, culture, animals, people and daily life. She meticulously selects her designs based on what she aims to convey through her art and the intended presentation.
Her coin collection project was sparked by a visit to the National Museum of Oman, where she was deeply impressed by the coin collection. This visit planted the idea of creating larger-sized coins to display their historical significance. A subsequent visit to the currency museum at the Central Bank of Oman further fuelled her passion for the project.
Living in Oman has greatly influenced her work, as she draws inspiration from the country’s diverse landscapes, traditional dresses, handicrafts and ornate doors. She aims to infuse her creations with these elements while maintaining their unique heritage.
Like all artists, Shima has faced numerous challenges, from finding the right idea to financial constraints. However, the most rewarding moments come when she creates pieces that resonate with people.
Looking to the future, Shima has an array of exciting projects in mind, especially those rooted in Omani culture. She has exhibitions planned in Qatar and Oman, along with two ongoing projects that she hopes to exhibit in the coming months. Her passion for coins and ceramic art continues to flourish, offering a unique perspective on the fusion of history, culture and artistry.
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