NATALIA ALIAHMAD
Glass
Natalia AliAhmad is a Detroit glass artist graduating from the College for
Creative Studies and receiving a B.F.A. in Craft and Material Studies. Being a part of the Muslim community is a big influence on her work. Her goal is to introduce glass in an uncommon environment while exploring Muslim culture’s contemporary interpretation and cultural juxtaposition through stained glass. This is accomplished through the traditional stained glass techniques of lead and zinc cane, copper foil, and soldering.
https://www.nkaglass.com/
nkaglass@gmail.com
Instagram: @nka_glass
As Strong As My Roots, 2020
Sheet glass, solder, copper foil
35" x 10" x13"
Overseas Uniting, Jewelry Box and Set, 2020
3D sheet glass, solder, copper foil, gold chain, gold round charms, glass
10" x 11.5" x 4"
Wajib, 2021
Sheet glass, solder, copper foil, lead came, wood
41” x 38” x 18.5”
Wajib, Rectangular Serving Tray, 2021
Sheet glass, solder, copper foil, lead came
9.5” x 17.5 x 1.5”
Wajib, Circular Severing Tray, 2021
Sheet glass, solder, copper foil, lead came.
14” x 14”
Deconstructive Salt Lamp, 2021
Sheet glass, solder, copper foil, metal stand, light
6" x 9" x 6.5"
The Hamsa Evil Eye, 2021
Sheet glass, solder, copper foil
8.5" x 7"
Protection Within the House; Allah, 2021
Sheet glass, gold leaf, solder, copper foil, wood
4” x 15” x 14”
Protection Within the House; Imam Ali Sword, 2021
Sheet glass, gold leaf, solder, copper foil, lead came
25’ x 5”
Protection Within the House; Evileye, 2021
Sheet glass, solder, copper foil, lead came
12” x 12”
NATALIA ALIAHMAD
“Nostalgia for the Homeland” incorporates stained glass and Lebanese culture. My nostalgia for Lebanon inspires me to explore the concept of longing for home through traditional and non-traditional stained glass techniques. This feeling of nostalgia or homesickness can be understood by anyone who has been away from their home for a long period of time. The inspiration for my work is from my own personal experience when I first visited my country of origin — Lebanon. The moment I stepped onto the land I felt that I had always belonged there, as I recognized this unfamiliar place like home. Home is a feeling of comfort and contentment with your surroundings. Growing up, you think of your home as a place that you call your own. I did not expect to receive this exact feeling when staying in Lebanon.
I am interested in the household decor within the Arab American community as a representation of home. Families that have traveled from the Middle East design their home with a certain cultural tradition in mind to keep their culture and faith with them. I utilize traditional and non-traditional stained glass to create furniture, lighting, wall pieces, and sculptural elements to create an experience in which the viewer feels the sensations I associate with home.