Artist Lama Kokash uses fusing glass on ceramics and basalt pieces in her exhibition in Damascus
She loved art since her childhood, so she decided to reflect her vision about life and Syrian heritage through the art of fusing glass, which she learned in Spain in 2005.
The artist Lama Kokash, who got a Masters Degree in International Relations in Spain after she had completed her study at the English Department in Syria, followed courses on arts in Switzerland and Germany and studied the art of fusing glass in Spain.
“I improved my works over the past 18 years and I used Arabic calligraphy in making some of my works in exhibitions held in Spain. I also used fusing glass on ceramics and basalt pieces after many attempts I made and in less than 2 months I reached the best result in my new experience. I am the only one who is making such work in Syria,” the artist told Syria Times e-newspaper.
She added: “When I was child, I tried to change the colour of the paint in my room and I was making shapes from coloured plastic around the chandelier in my family’s house, but I did not study at the Faculty of Arts.”
The artist indicated that she received great support from her husband Aktham Abdulhamid, who works as sculptor.
“I believe that every woman will enjoy using a dish decorated with fusing glass. Our Syrian heritage is very old and includes a lot of amazing arts that could be developed in our time. I love the transparency and brightness of glass, ” Mrs. Kokash said.
She displayed 60 attractive pieces of work in her four-day exhibition, which kicked off on the 15th of May at Zawaya Gallery in Damascus.
The artist concluded by saying: “ Around 4,000 years ago, it is believed that the Canaanites, more commonly known as Phoenicians, in the Syrian coast, were the first to discover the art of making beautiful glass objects; thereafter, Syria played an important role in glass-making throughout the world.”
Interviewed by: Basma Qaddour