Pottery Painting

Social Status:

The family consists of three members: Mr. Jalal, an elderly widower, aged 72, his daughter Roweida, aged 41, who successfully completed her high school education but did not pursue university studies. She has been divorced for several years and has a 13-year-old daughter, Lujain, who is a seventh-grade student. She also has three other children who live with their father in Jordan, with whom she maintains a strong relationship. Socially, she is well-integrated within her community.

 
Project Development Stages:
My divorce was the turning point in my journey. At the beginning of 2015, it was not easy to leave my children in Jordan and return to my homeland with my young daughter, who required care and financial support. I moved in with my elderly parents, both of whom needed special attention—especially my mother, who was bedridden and required constant care. Before long, my father also became bedridden, adding to the responsibilities I had to shoulder.

Faced with this challenging reality, I had two options: succumb to depression or find a way out of the overwhelming pressure. I initially worked in a kindergarten, creating educational drawings and materials for children, but I did not feel fulfilled in that role. At this point, my brother played a crucial role in supporting me, as he worked at the Jericho Mosaic Workshop. This became the most significant turning point in my life. I enrolled in a drawing course, followed by a ceramics training program, coinciding with the launch of a ceramic project in my village, of which I became one of the founders.

I worked alone for six months, painting traditional pottery in a simple yet creative way. I introduced new artistic elements in designs and forms, taking a clay sculpting course to further enhance my skills. I then requested that additional women be employed, and I personally trained them in the craft. Recognizing my dedication, the workshop owner allowed me flexibility in my schedule to care for my parents, ensuring they received the attention and support they needed.

Despite the overwhelming pressures of that phase, I remained committed to developing my skills through advanced training courses. This marked the beginning of my personal and professional transformation. Initially, I could only complete one piece per day, but today, I produce over 20 pieces daily, each featuring unique and intricate designs.

At this stage, I never imagined that my mother’s passing would leave such a profound void in both my personal life and work routine, as she and my father were the pillars of my journey, constantly supporting and guiding me. However, this loss also gave me the opportunity to dedicate more time to caring for my father while raising my daughter.

To meet market demand, especially given my village’s unique location (Nisf Jubeil, Nablus Governorate), which attracts a steady flow of foreign tourists, I began researching their interests and crafting pieces that catered to them. Tourists were willing to pay premium prices for my products, appreciating their quality, aesthetics, and cultural significance. This increased production levels, allowing me to expand my workforce from two to five female employees. Additionally, it enabled us to participate in various exhibitions across Nablus, Ramallah, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem.

At this point, I began envisioning my own independent business, a unique product line, and a personal artistic signature. However, the materials required significant capital investment, particularly the ceramic kiln, which was essential for production.

My family was registered in the Ministry of Social Development’s cash assistance program, which encouraged me to seek support from the Economic Empowerment Unit. A specialist welcomed my proposal, and fortunately, I was eligible for the “Farajat” Project, funded by the Palestinian National Economic Empowerment Institution and supported by the Bank of Jerusalem.

After receiving approval for the grant, I was provided with a ceramic kiln, a vital asset worth over $5,000. With this, I introduced new artistic modifications, including painting on tiles, crafting home décor pieces, and inscribing nationalistic slogans on decorative plaques.

I now see myself climbing the first steps toward success, yet I still aspire to achieve more. My ultimate goal is to establish my own ceramic factory, preserving Palestinian cultural identity while integrating mosaic art into my craft. Through this, I aim to employ more women, empower them in the workforce, and encourage them to pursue self-sufficiency rather than surrender to their circumstances.

 
Product Authenticity:
The project’s concept of ceramic painting is deeply rooted in Palestinian culture, values, and heritage. Many of my designs carry symbolic meanings, such as depicting the olive tree on kitchenware and wall art, painting thyme leaves on dining sets, and incorporating the map of Palestine into my designs.

 
Product Design and Development:
Initially, I was an employee in a ceramic workshop, bound by strict production rules and guidelines. This pushed me to seek opportunities where I could unleash my creativity. Securing the grant allowed me to purchase a ceramic kiln, a fundamental element in ceramic artistry.

 
Product Quality:
After receiving the grant and acquiring the kiln, my work gained significant improvements in quality, durability, and longevity. Additionally, it allowed me to increase production output, granting me greater independence instead of relying on the workshop where I previously worked.

 
Production Speed:
The grant played a key role in accelerating production. The kiln’s capacity allowed me to process larger batches in shorter timeframes. Previously, I relied on the workshop’s kiln, which required long waiting periods to complete bulk orders. With my own kiln, I was able to fully dedicate myself to my craft, leading to higher efficiency and unique, customized designs.

 
Marketing Ability:
I market my products through social media platforms, particularly Instagram (ceramic2008). Additionally, I sell directly to foreign tourists, who appreciate the craftsmanship. Recently, I received a business offer from Saudi Arabia to design and manufacture an entire set of restaurant equipment. I am currently evaluating the logistics of exporting my products internationally.

 
Production Sustainability:
Since 2015, my craft has evolved from a personal hobby into a fully-fledged business. My passion and dedication have driven me to continuously develop my skills, whether through seeking job opportunities or enrolling in specialized training programs. Ultimately, I secured a grant in early 2024, further solidifying my journey.

I am committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of my business and expanding production. My aspiration is to continue growing, preserving Palestinian heritage, and achieving greater economic independence.

There are also multiple photos and videos showcasing my work, demonstrating the evolution of my craft and the success of my journey.