Riyadh: In the Jordanian pavilion at the Saudi International Handicrafts Week (Banan) artisan Khaled Abu Alia captivates visitors with distinctive pieces that merge recycled wires with natural stones sourced from various regions of Jordan.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Abu Alia stands behind his small display space as though guarding a collection of handcrafted stories, explaining to visitors how discarded electrical wires are transformed into artworks inspired by Jordan's mountainous and rocky identity. He describes his craft as being built on 'wire and stone,' recycling electrical wires and shaping them into intricate forms intertwined with carefully selected natural stones.
Abu Alia notes that each stone has its own character, influencing the final piece. The stones he uses include moonstone, stream stone, various types of Jordanian quartz, and other stones from northern and southern Jordan, each with unique colors, qualities, and formations that guide the direction of every artwork.
The artisan adds that creativity emerges during the process itself. Some pieces can be completed in a single day, while others require more time depending on the type of stone and the nature of the wire used. He explains that this blend of spontaneity and precision gives his work its distinct identity, making each piece appear as the result of a quiet dialogue between the artist and the material.
Abu Alia stresses that participating for the third consecutive year at Banan offers him a genuine opportunity to introduce this form of art to visitors seeking something different. He notes that many are surprised by how ordinary wires can be transformed into pieces that reflect the spirit of Jordan's mountains and the texture of its rocks.