Sunday, February 16, 2025 | Sha'ban 16, 1446 H
clear sky
weather
OMAN
22°C / 22°C
EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Unique candle creations merge Greek inspiration with Omani artistry

minus
plus

Visiting the studio where she creates her candles, one will easily notice the air filled with the warm, rich scents of natural wax and fragrant oils. With each lovingly crafted piece, she breathes life into ancient traditions while creating something uniquely modern.


In recent years, Omani artisans have embraced the candle-making craft as a form of expression, often drawing inspiration from the country's rich history, natural landscapes, and traditional customs. Many local artisans, including Afrah Al Abri, have innovated this ancient craft by using eco-friendly materials and incorporating artistic designs, making their products not only functional but also decorative.


The candle-making art scene in Oman has been gaining traction as artisans tap into both cultural heritage and contemporary design. This increase in popularity can be attributed to a blend of traditional practices and modern influences, resulting in unique, handcrafted candles that resonate with both locals and tourists.


“I have always been a fan of Greek art. I read about it through historical books that described the stunning details, where candles were the basic home décor essentials for lighting, dining tables, and ceremony decorations,” Afrah said.


During the Roman Empire, Sicily was home to majestic Greek and Roman art preserved in statues, artefacts, and paintings that spoke of ancient myths and legendary tales. Its rich history and culture found their way into everything, even into the art of candle-making. With her creative touch, Afrah reflects the spirit of Greek art in beautiful candles, carrying the essence of Sicily's ancient heritage into the modern world through her “Sicilia Art” project.


No Image


The language of candles brings balance to our lives, symbolising warmth and relaxation. They serve as companions for those who cherish moments of reading and solitude, infusing the atmosphere with delicate, poetic fragrances. With a strong commitment to producing eco-friendly candles, Afrah merges her passion for Greek art with the creation of innovative shapes, all enhanced by her boundless creativity.


“The candle-making process begins with selecting the type of wax. Natural soy wax is ideal for creating safe, defect-free candles. Choosing the appropriate wax mould to shape the candle is also a critical initial step. Next, the wax is melted in a container over heat at a specific temperature. Following this, the desired fragrance is selected and added in precise amounts to the melted wax, along with the chosen colour. Subsequently, a wick that suits the candle's shape and size is selected and properly secured in the mould. The final step involves pouring the scented wax into the mould, waiting for it to harden, and preparing the candle for use,” she explained.


The Omani candle-making scene is known for its use of natural elements. Artisans frequently utilise locally sourced materials, such as beeswax and essential oils derived from Oman’s flora, to create environmentally friendly candles. This approach aligns with the global trend towards sustainability and reflects a growing awareness of environmental responsibilities among consumers.


No Image


Afrah prioritises using wax free from harmful chemicals and petroleum additives that can lead to respiratory issues. She also incorporates natural aromatic oils and eco-friendly wicks that ensure safe burning.


“I place great emphasis on the safety and health of consumers. My aim is to provide high-quality, environmentally friendly candles, along with a unique and artistic line of decorative products,” she stated.


Her artistic approach extends beyond merely shaping candles; she introduces innovation and creativity, which can take her anywhere from thirty minutes to three hours to achieve. This quest for excellence and diversity aims to appeal to all candle enthusiasts while transforming the perception of candle-making from a simple craft into a decorative art form suitable for decor and gifting. “Recently, candles have become a distinctive choice for gifts due to their beauty, variety, and the intricate details of their scents, colours, and shapes,” she noted.


Al Abri has turned her passion for candle-making into a medium for extraordinary expression. Recently, she created a Halwa-shaped candle to celebrate the rich Gulf heritage.


“Inspired by Bahraini heritage, I crafted a candle resembling the famous Bahraini halwa, marking my first official production as a gift for His Excellency the Ambassador of Bahrain to the Sultanate of Oman during the 53rd Bahraini National Day celebrations at the Sheraton Muscat Hotel,” she shared.


“My ambition is to make the Sicilia Art project global and to compete with well-established candle manufacturing companies in this field,” she added.


No Image


SHARE ARTICLE
arrow up
home icon