Touch of glass!

TRADITIONAL paintings of peacocks have created a stir amongst art lovers amazed at how the colourful creatures are winging their way on to glass and ceramics.

They are being created by shy Bahraini housewife Fayza Ahmed Al Aradi and have gone on display at the Productive Families Centre in Muharraq.

"I started painting two years ago because I wanted to do something for myself," she said.

"I always loved drawing and painting but when I saw a friend of mine painting on glass I thought to myself 'why don't I learn this craft'.

With patience and determination she mastered the art and soon her proud peacocks on glass were proving particularly popular.

"It is a traditional thing in Bahrain," explained Fayza. "The older generations loved hanging paintings of the birds in their homes especially at weddings or special celebrations.

"I also draw boats, Bahrain's flag and map as well as flowers on glass. I also paint on ceramics which is much easier and more fun."

Fayza's husband Khalil Al Aradi manages her work and deals with the public.

"I don't want to be the one dealing with the public, so I asked my husband to help me promote my work.

"The first time I told him that I wanted to paint just as a hobby he was not sure it was a good idea but when I showed him my work he was very impressed, showed my paintings to some of his friends and they all advised him to encourage me.

"I am very grateful for my husband, without his support I would have never achieved my goal because I am very shy.

"I find pleasure and peace of mind when I paint and I am lucky to be able to practice something that I enjoy so much."

Fayza said the idea of making a business out of her hobby followed when an art lover spotted her work and ordered a selection of peacocks on glass for a party he was holding. "That was when the whole idea of selling my work kicked off," she explained.

Proud husband, Khalil, said: "I didn't know that she was such a talented woman, but when I saw her painting I loved it," he said. "I work in a maintenance department but at the same time I try to make sure to be there for my wife whenever she needs me.

"I go all the way to Saudi Arabia to bring her the colours she needs as well as the glass. We work as a team, she does the painting and I promote her work at exhibitions and festivals."

Fayza and Khalil's story is another success of a micro-finance project in the kingdom. Although they have paid off an initial loan to get started, their names are still listed under the project to help them promote their work.

Micro-finance was formed by the United Nations Development Project (UNDP), The Social Development Ministry and Al Ahli United Bank. The project, entitled 'Provisions of Sustainable Micro-Finance Credit and Services to Needy Citizens of Bahrain', aims at providing small, short-term loans to low-income individuals, especially women.

This project is the second of its kind, following a successful micro-start initiative launched in 1999.

Khalil can be contacted on 39029568. For further information about the micro-finance project call Awal Women's Society on 17678974 or visit any branch of Al Eslah Society.