This body of work is inspired by Islamic patterns. I wanted to research my culture, as a Syrian woman, and create something that resonates with the patterns I’m familiar with, within glass. I’m very interested in the Pâte de Verre technique, where glass is fired at a relatively low temperature to achieve a textured effect. I explored this with my Turkish-inspired motifs, one in blue and the other in green.
Adding my twist, I created a layered illusion commonly seen in Turkish mosques and mihrabs (prayer niches). My next four designs are inspired by Turkish and Moroccan archways: the green pieces were kiln-cast using Bullseye glass, and the blue ones using Gaffer glass. I used Fusion 360 to design the patterns, then 3D printed them. After casting, I assembled the components in the mould and fired the pieces.
The finished works evoke a sense of tranquillity for me, and they remind me of the buildings I used to run around in as a child. Through this process, I’ve not only connected with my heritage but also found a personal way to honour it by blending traditional influences with contemporary glass-making techniques.