Being an artist in Jordan is challenging as it is; considering the country’s worsening economy, and the massive role it plays due to being located in the most sensitive region of the middle-east. Surrounded by Iraq, Palestine, and Syria. Welcoming refugees for decades have taken its toll on the conditions for both locals and evidently the refugees themselves. However, being a refugee artist in Jordan manages to be even more challenging. Our goal at Roots Studio is to help struggling artists who are gifted and excel at indigenous forms of art relating to their context and daily life. Calligraphy is an artform on the edge of extinction, and yet these artists cannot find a platform to market their work and unique talents.

Ethiopian Jewish embroiderers who migrated from Ethiopia to central Israel decades ago come from a rich tapestry of backgrounds. Some are from rural areas without formal education, while others come from cities and more developed regions of Ethiopia. Elderly grandmothers and younger women alike have honed their embroidery skills to support their families. Many traditional artists still hold onto their Ethiopian heritage, agriculture—once their economic lifeline—is now a cherished hobby. Their embroidery reflects their memories of life in Ethiopia and the trials of their journey to their new homeland. The art of Ethiopian Jewish embroidery merges traditional values with contemporary life, reflecting the integration of their families into society. Common motifs include images of everyday Ethiopian life, inspired by nature and lifestyle: mothers with babies, women carrying jars, and traditional tea ceremonies. Sacred symbols like Lions, the Queen of Sheba, and birds depict their faith and deep connection to home. Photo by Yael Ilan