A Syrian woman turns her suffering into success story

The Syrian woman has been an icon of hope, patience and challenge and she has played her active role in building society at all levels.

Despite the difficult circumstances that Syrian women faced during the terrorist war on Syria, they have become more persistent and determined to find a glimmer of hope through depending on themselves  in all fields.

A great number of Syrian women in several governorates established their own projects and turned their pain into distinguished success stories to enhance their presence in society and contribute to the reconstruction of their country.

Syria Times e-newspaper interviewed the plastic artist Amal Al-Hussein, who was displaced from Raqqa governorate due to the war and currently resides in Lattakia Governorate, to shed light on her suffering that turned into a project of hope, success,  ana a new start of production.

“The Syrian woman represents the authentic Arab woman who enjoys a sound mind and abundance of femininity. Through her suffering during the crisis, the woman soared on the wings of a woman and a man to be successful, courageous and distinguished,” artist Al-Hussein told Syriatimes.

She indicated  “when I left Raqqa in 2014, many things left me, like stability, tranquility, safety and warmth, but through patience and strong will  the years passed and I started my own project”.

“My work focuses mostly on recycling various materials found in nature. In the beginning, the circumstances pushed me to create products that serve the home and serve the  people’s needs. I combined my talent and love for art with this need, the result was very satisfying and real” she said.

The artist’s works include toy baskets from cardboard and cloth scraps, school bags and handbags from old clothes, rugs, paintings, office pencil cases, pictures, toys trays, decorating pieces for homes and offices…etc.

“There is a deep relation between art and heritage. As artists, we should contribute to protecting, preserving and highlighting our dee-rooted heritage through our artworks” artist Hussein said.

She indicated that “in fact, man is a son of his environment. Through a number of my artworks. I subconsciously sought to embody a part of Raqqa’s heritage including Dallah ( pot) for Arabic

traditional coffee , straw dishes , and paintings  for the most important landmarks in Raqqa governorate”.

The plastic artist  participated in many exhibitions in Lattakia and its countryside such as the annual Tishreen University exhibitions , Flower Show, Tourism Directorate’s Exhibitions as well as  the exhibitions of many women’s associations that support small projects, such as “Mada”, “Mosaic”, “Ithar”, “Our Elderly, and St. Jacob’s Monastery.

At the end of this month, she  will participate in an exhibition that will be held at the National Museum in Lattakia governorate under the supervision and support of the UN.

“Prticipating in exhibitions and other cultural activities plays a key role in marketing our products, exchanging experiences and enhancing the role of artists in society” said the artist Hussein.

She added “ I was very proud of my participation in exhibitions, as they enabled me to market my artworks to  several foreign and Arab countries including Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.

 “Art is a message of hope, pain, love, optimism and peace . I wish to have my own workshop so that my art can reach the largest segment and teach generations how to preserve their country in any field . Syria, which  is the cradle of peace and civilizations, has given us much and taught us not to compromise and to be determined to be stronger and overcome the circumstances, no matter how difficult they are” artist Hussein concluded.