Ishraq Zraikat

Ishraq Zraikatis a Jordanian fiber artist, weaver, and wool developer. She holds a Bachelor degree in Architecture from Virginia Tech and a Master of Arts degree in Textile and Material Design from NABA, Milan. Her interdisciplinary practice weaves together professional experience in architecture, fashion, and textile design, rooted in critical reflections on process, materiality, and technology.Specializing in felting and Bedouin weaving, Ishraq employs sustainable, sheep-to-cloth methods of wool processing. She divides her practice between the Hudson Valley (NY), where she maintains residence, and her native Jordan. In 2018, she became a certified wool grader with the American Sheep Industry. Her work has been exhibited at Design Doha Biennale, Diriyah Islamic Art Biennale, Amman Design Week, Dubai Design Week, Osaka World Expo 2025, The Escher Museum, as well as in galleries in New York - USA. 

Craft Proficiency as a mode of design:Ishraq draws inspiration from the concept of ‘archaic revival’ and the return to ancient crafts and our relationship with nature—not as literal reconstruction of the past, but as a creative reimagining for the present and future. In an era of disposability and novelty-driven industries, she works to restore intimacy with material sources and traditional technologies by sourcing and processing raw fibers herself, embedding her creative and technical vision at every stage of making.Ishraq's mode of designdissolves the divide between‘creative director’ and the ‘maker’, betweenthe conceptual and the manual. This unity restores meaning to the act of making, positioning design not as an externalized process but as a lived embodiment within craft. Design decisions happen in real-time, expanding the boundaries of textile design. Ishraq's works embody a design philosophy rooted in presence, patience, and ritual.

The Interview

What inspired you to pursue a career in design?
Growing up I watched my mother make beautiful things for us and our home. She taught me many skills like sewing and knitting, and always encouraged me to be creative.

How does your cultural or regional context influence your design work?
My cultural context is at the core of my design work as I explore our rich heritage of crafts, design, and art.

What is your design philosophy or approach to creative problem-solving?
I strive to be the 'creative director' as well as the 'craftsperson' in my work, dissolving the divide between the 'conceptual' and the 'manual' which enables me to make design decisions in real time, experiencing the materials in my hands and learning from them.

Describe a project you're most proud of and why it's meaningful to you.
'Raw Embrace' is a special project because it embodies my ongoing material explorations with sheep's wool. It was commissioned for 'Arab Design Now' and the theme of 'What does it mean to make?' and it represents how I engage in 'making' and being involved in every stage of material processing and development for my final vision.

Who are your design influences or mentors, and how have they shaped your work?
Having a background in architecture, fashion, and design journalism in addition to textile design, I find inspiration in all of these creative industries / fields. I am most inspired by ancient artifacts espeically islamic and asian artifacts.

What role do you think design plays in shaping communities and culture in the MENASA region?
Design traditionally was simply the act of 'innovating' to facilitate and beautify life. It was a response to life's necessities but going above and beyond to create not only useful things, but also beautiful things. It always embodies cultural identities and exchanges.

How do you stay inspired and continue to evolve your creative practice?
I keep my hands busy and keep learning new skills. I regularly revisit 'old' ideas or projects and can always find something exciting to explore again with my new skills.

Works

Website
ishraqzraikat.com
Socials
@ishraqzraikat