Close to her art

Ghada Kunash, owner of Vindemia, an antiques gallery in Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai

In art I see an era that has been. Like a puzzle the pieces of craft fall in place to announce the roots of a culture that was a page in history.

Art is more than just a lifestyle.

It's not just about creating fancy pieces for a space. It's a way of expression that has its beginnings in pottery, carpentry, painting, furniture, even in clothes. It's amazing how much appeal the past has.

I developed a love for ancient artefacts when I was a child.

My parents always appreciated items that were connected in some way to history and culture.

I think that one is better able to understand other lands and heritage only when he knows his origins.

I am of Circassian origin and Jordanian by nationality, and recall hearing my grandparents talking about who we are and where we come from – our traditions, food, ancestry and style.

I shared a rich bond with my grandmother and would spend

a lot of time with her chatting about her childhood and the customs of those times. From a young age, we were taught the importance of preserving what life gives us – whether in moments or materials.

As a teenager, I began collecting antiques and collectibles.

I furthered this passion for the past in my academic life too.

I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the University of Jordan in Amman, then went on to work for five years in Jordan restoring historical sites and traditional architecture. This gave me an opportunity to stay connected to my roots. Jordan is like a huge archaeological site. The culture, ceramics, embroidery and mosaics are all very interesting. The entire country is like a museum! You just live among relics of the past and it's easy to get caught up in it.

Over the years, I have come to understand that different places have different stories and histories. There is something everywhere – where there are humans, there will be emotions and from these emotions, artistry is born – you just need to keep your eyes and your heart open to experience it. When I tour a new place, I make a point of spending time speaking to the people there. That way, I get to understand their land and their culture and traditions.

I believe we are all connected as humans.

We share a common soil that spans the world, we drink from the same water that fills the seas and seek the same happiness and health for ourselves. Everything happens for a reason and because of a reason. History moulds people. We make our present from what we received from the past and that, in turn, affects our future. It's the cycle of life and heritage.

Antiques are a breath of fresh air in Dubai.

I've lived in Dubai for close to 10 years; it's a beautiful city that is growing every day. Even though the region has a vast and rich heritage, I feel it is confined and not showcased too well. There is a void in ancient art forms. Everything here is so modern and new, so antiques pique the curiosity and appreciation of tourists and residents alike.

Moreover, Dubai is now developing into a more settled society, where people are buying property and owning homes. This gives room for them to create their spaces with their own taste and style. I stock my gallery, Vindemia, with items that I like. I see them through the eyes of my clients. I select things that I would buy for my own home.

I would never keep something just because it sells. An antique has the capacity to give life to the space it occupies. I don't just sell these items; I also advise the customer on how best to display the piece in their home to enhance the space. It all boils down to personalising a piece for your home.

Art brings us together under one umbrella.

People from all walks of life are attracted to that which is old. Last summer, I showcased my private collection at The Collectors Exhibition in the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). The exhibit brought together the craftsmanship of both undiscovered and revered artists and artisans from across the world – Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Hungary, England and France. Carefully-curated highlights included an upright coin-operated polyphone with 15 discs made in Leipzig (circa 1900), a clock of Austrian-Hungarian origin, circa 1880, a Syrian chest with mother of pearl inlay, circa 1940, a ring in antique bronze top in 24 karat gold, antique cutlery, a collection of Rosenthal Studio porcelain by Bjorn Winblad, contemporary paintings and Ottoman calligraphy.

The response we received was excellent. I had children, teenagers, parents and grandparents enquiring about various artefacts. It was an amazing feeling to be able to create such an opportunity for the guests at the exhibition.

Antiques are important.

Each piece from the past has passed on from one generation to the other. It carries with it the memories of the people who have shared it.

Many people have loved it, cared for it and treasured it.

It carries with it a lot of different energies, not just from those who have held it, but also from the one who made it. To be able to set up a place that fills the need for such an artform is a privilege. I really do take my art to heart!

SNAPSHOTS

My favourite era: I'd love to live in the 18th century, anywhere in England or France. The era was grand; it was the centre of art. It was a time that seeded change in beauty and form of expression.

My favourite place: I love my home – when I was a child and even now as an adult. Growing up in a large family with an extended family that includes 25 cousins was a wonderful experience. Living with a large clan makes you accept people, understand them. It gives you a bigger heart and a higher level of tolerance. Without them, I would never realise the value of my heritage and myself.