Saturday 25 December 2010

Noha Al-Sharif

In her studio

 humbly and devout in Edgeof Arabia Exhibition

Inspiration for Humbly and Devout

The four figures in prayer

Group

Near life size group
I really admire Noha Al-Sharif's work although I'm yet to see any in person. Noha is a young Saudi sculptress whose work has already been exhibited in international exhibitions see here and here. After completing her studies at Jeddah fine arts College she opened her studio in Jeddah. 
Her Humbly and Devout series stems from her interest in the representation of groups in sculpture and her admiration of Henry Moore's work as well as the spiritual act of prayer in groups.
I find her work fascinating and look forward to having a chance to view it.
What do you think?

Thursday 23 December 2010

Green bar

These Bahraini-made oils are featuring very highly on my wish list. The brainchild of Reem Al-Khalifa Green Bar makes and bottles beauty products using only certified natural ingrediants with an emphasis on being sustainable and environmentally friendly.
I have made a little space on my dressing table for the Almond and Amber body oil and Taifi Rose body perfume.

Bahraini Entrapraneur Reem Al-Khalifa

and while I await the arrival of one of these lovely little packages ( a little hint for a special someone).....

Heres hoping for a Green revolution here in the Arabian Gulf.

Tuesday 21 December 2010

Qahwa


I have been given this wonderful gift from my mother-in -law it is a 'dellah' for Arabic Coffee (or Qahwa in Arabic) I will write a post later on Qahwa and its little rituals. This one is handmade here in Saudi Arabia in Raslan style. I cant wait to use it. I am on the hunt now for some cups for it (finjaal).
I bought these a few years ago but I had flowers in mind not coffee.
This is a very common style of cup

I saw these a year ago in Oasis Magazine handmade with red Saudi clay by women artisans all of whom are physically challenged

With a matching covered dish to serve the dates
 What do you think?
if anyone knows of some well designed handmade pieces please let me know.

Monday 20 December 2010

Rooftop views







I took a few last rooftop photos as a farewell. Builders finally arrived this morning to start work on an extension. I'm so excited

Saturday 18 December 2010

a small obsession confession

I am in love with Pestemel ( Turkish towels) I first bought one eight years ago from Toast, I was heavily pregnant with my first child and part of my cravings were textures (something that has occurred with all four of my pregnancy's, has anyone else had this too?) Its lightness and softness appealed to me, and I wanted it to drape around me after a delicious warm scented bath.
Turkish Bath-Hamam Linen Towel-Peshtemal

Turkish Bath Towel-Peshtemal
Turkish Peshtemal Towel (silk and cotton)
So now I feel the need to replenish I have my eye on these lovelies from Peshte shop on Etsy, handloomed in Turkey.

Thursday 16 December 2010

Toile de Jeddah

This Toile de Jeddah by Saudi Artist Bander Al-Rumaih made me smile. It is currently part of Nabatt exhibition in Shanghai take a look here. The Saudi Art scene is very interesting but there are barely any venues where people can view work here in Saudi Arabia I hope this changes soon.

Tuesday 14 December 2010




I love this series of photograms by Saudi Artist Maha Mullah.
You can find more of her work here and here.
What do you think?