The project is definitely changing the discourse about refugees, usually treated as a mass of passive and helpless people: “We want Ishkar to fundamentally change the way we view war-torn countries as well as breathing new life into ancient crafts on the brink of dying out”, says Flore. Through a curated collection of pieces, including glassware, jewellery, cufflinks, tableware, shawls, klims and carpets – each made by artisans whose practice has been affected by war and some of them are made in collaboration with top international designers –, they provide a window to refugees who are in a suppressive state of dependency that makes it difficult for them to integrate and become self-reliant.
We talk to Flore and Edmund not only about what does real craftsmanship mean today (slow production, the human hand over the machine, and natural materials) but also about the importance of restoring dignity and a sense of self-worth in the lives of these artisans, so as the social impact of supporting NGOs, creating economic opportunities and keeping skills alive. This is a story of hope.