Priya Patel
TLDR:
- Ishraq Zraikat is a Jordanian textile artist based in New York with a passion for making, designing, and research.
- She combines weaving and felting techniques, focuses on using natural wool, and incorporates traditional Bedouin weaving methods in her work.
Ishraq Zraikat, a Jordanian textile artist based in the Hudson Valley in New York, combines her skills in architecture, fashion, and research to create unique and innovative textile art pieces. She has a lifelong passion for making, designing, and researching, and has recently focused on learning about centuries-old Bedouin weaving techniques. Zraikat’s work often involves combining weaving and felting techniques using natural wool materials, and she collaborates with traditional craftsmen to preserve and incorporate the rich heritage of Bedouin weaving in her projects.
Zraikat’s interest in textiles and fabrics stems from her fascination with creating raw materials for her designs. She values the creative and technical decisions made throughout the production chain, which impact the final product. Her research into native Jordanian wool has led her to appreciate the unique qualities of Awassi sheep wool and the potential for various uses beyond rug weaving.
Collaborating with Bedouin communities in Jordan and learning traditional weaving methods has been a significant influence on Zraikat’s work. She honors the craftsmanship and innovation of these weavers by incorporating their techniques and materials into her art pieces. Zraikat’s performance pieces, such as Creative Being at Amman Design Week, pay tribute to the creativity of Bedouin people and their weaving craft.
Despite challenges in the fast-paced digital media landscape, Zraikat remains focused on exploring her creative interests and maintaining her artistic identity. She draws inspiration from her surroundings in the Hudson Valley, where she observes a thriving art and crafts scene that influences her work.
Overall, Ishraq Zraikat’s unique approach to textile art, combining traditional techniques with contemporary design, showcases her dedication to preserving cultural heritage and pushing the boundaries of creativity in the textile industry.
