In the heart of Al-Khalil, Hebron, in a small workshop filled with the scent of clay and wood, a team of four passionate artisans comes together to create unique ceramic pieces, each with its own story. The process begins with the potter, who carefully shapes the pieces on the potter’s wheel. Another artisan uses moulds to craft other designs, ensuring every detail is just right. Meanwhile, a skilled carpenter prepares the wooden frames for trays, completing the vision of a seamless blend between ceramics and wood.
At the heart of it all is Ayat, the artist. With each brushstroke, she breathes colour and personality into the ceramics. From glazing to the final firing stages, Ayat oversees every detail, transforming simple clay into stunning works of art. Collaboration is essential here — Ayat works closely with the potters, ensuring her designs align perfectly with the shapes created on the wheel and in moulds.
Ayat’s signature on each piece is more than just a name; it is a mark of dedication and artistry. It takes weeks to bring each collection to life. The pieces first need two weeks of preparation before they are ready for painting. The painting itself requires about ten days of meticulous work, followed by another four to five days for glazing and firing. The wooden frames take around a week to complete, timed perfectly to align with the ceramics’ readiness.
Even the tools Ayat uses carry a story. Her brushes are handmade by her father, a ceramic artist himself, crafted from goat hair and horse tail. These brushes are a testament to her family’s dedication to preserving traditional methods.
Ayat’s journey began early. At just 13 years old, she discovered her talent for painting under her father’s guidance. Recognising her gift, he encouraged her, and she has not looked back since. Now 35, Ayat not only creates masterpieces but also trains young women with natural artistic talent. She believes in nurturing raw, God-given abilities, teaching them to handle ceramic paints and assigning them initial tasks that build their confidence and skills.
Ayat's family has been part of the ceramic industry since 1965, when they established Palestine’s first ceramic factory. Both she and her husband grew up immersed in the world of ceramics, learning to shape clay on the potter’s wheel alongside their fathers and uncles. Ayat frequently visited the factory to paint, where her artistry captured the attention of her husband, who soon fell in love with both her talent and her work.
Today, they each have their own workshops — Ayat's specialising in handmade ceramics and her husband’s focusing on traditional Palestinian styles. However, during the pandemic, it became difficult for Ayat to reach her workshop in the countryside, and now the pair work together.
Ayat continues to lead her team of young women, some working in the studio and others from their homes, depending on their schedules. Together, they carry forward the legacy of Palestinian ceramics, blending tradition, talent, and passion into every piece they create.
