AMMAN — Raad Al-Bitar has been creating colorful ceramic
pieces of art since 2013.
Bitar’s work includes hand-carved vases, cup sets, wall
clocks, and other unique but practical works of art.
اضافة اعلان
In 2013, he launched the project alongside his cousin. They
began with “very traditional” pieces, such as carving designs on beads.
But in 2015, Bitar’s cousin had to leave the project to
finish his education abroad. Bitar, however, powered through and push his
creativity to develop innovative new products.
He began buying new types of equipment to create unique new
items, applying his intricate engravings to ceramics, furniture, tables, chess
pieces, wall clocks, and wooden boxes. His new products elicited positive
reactions from customers and family, he told Jordan News.
Soon after, Bitar reserved a table in Souk Jara, a popular
market open on Fridays during the summer in Jabal Amman. Bitar said his
presence at the market made “a huge difference” in his business, helping him to
get his name out there and attract new customers.
In 2015, he expanded his business by opening an gallery in
Jaber Complex at Mecca Street to exhibit his works. He hired an employee to
monitor the gallery while he visited his workshop during the day.
“I began to produce all the equipment I need on my own
rather than buying them,” Raad said. The artisan explained that handicrafts are
generally more expensive than ready-made items, as they require more labor and
time from the artist.
Raad spends a minimum of three days working on any one item.
According to Raad, trying to sell his items at attractive
prices for customers while also managing the costs of running the business is
challenging.
He explained that the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the
tourism industry has reached his business, leading him to close the gallery and
continue managing sales online.
Raad pointed out the dire need of small business owners for
some form of support from authorities in light of the current situation and the
heavy blow they took due to the repercussions of the pandemic. He proposed that
the government would subsidize rent for craftsmen’s shops and sale points, as
well as aid in marketing their products to tourists.
The craftsman explained that since 2019, the Princess
Taghreed Foundation has worked with small business owners through training
programs for craftspeople, and is planning a future exhibition of their work
that was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The training program covered “the telling of a product’s
story”, technical matters, and marketing techniques, according to Bitar.
Moreover, his partnership with the foundation also led to an
opportunity to meet His Majesty King Abdullah.
“The King’s visit to our small enterprises gave all of us
huge support,” Raad said. He added that after His Majesty’s visit, participants
were provided with rent-free locations to sell their goods in Taj Mall.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Raad no longer employs his
own workers, but he is supported by his friends and family, including a
brother-in-law who helps sell his products in Dubai.
To find customers, “I rely on my participation in the
bazaars more than on social media,” Raad said, noting though that he still does
use Facebook and Instagram.
In the future, he hopes to promote his items on TV and
establish contracts with large companies that can send his products as gifts to
their employees, he told Jordan News.
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