In Conversation with: Mohammad Twam

We are thrilled to share our next ‘In Conversation With’, speaking to master glassblower Mohammad Twam. Pippa and Twam met through Turquoise Mountain in Jaba’, Palestine, where Twam creates our ‘Azaz’ collection – ‘azaz’ meaning ‘glass’ in local Palestinian dialect. A master of his craft, Mohammad Twam has been working with glass for over 40 years, and we are very proud to continue our partnership.

Hebron and the surrounding villages have a long glassblowing history. When you shape a piece today, do you feel you're continuing something specific that was handed to you, or reinventing it for this moment?

Glassmaking is a traditional craft that has existed in Palestine for generations, and for me, it forms the foundation of the techniques I use and the know-how I inherited. At the same time, the craft continues to grow through the support of designers, everyone who believes in and promotes this work, and the people who buy our products. Their engagement enables us to sustain our practice while drawing inspiration from the diverse individuals who visit our workshop. By incorporating their ideas and perspectives into our creative process, we have continuously refined our techniques and expanded our craft. This collaborative exchange has resulted in a substantial improvement in the quality, innovation, and overall value of our products.

Turquoise Mountain has described artisan work like yours as a way of holding onto culture through difficult circumstances. Does glass carry a different weight for you now than it did when you started? Do you view it as a livelihood and a craft, or has it become something closer to an act of resistance?

All of these descriptions apply to my experience. My love and passion for glassmaking are the main reasons I continue in this profession, as it has become a part of my life and identity. At the same time, it is also an important source of income. However, given the challenges we face, we need more support to continue developing our craft, strengthen our resilience, and ensure its sustainability. This is also why I try to diversify my sources of income. For me, glassmaking remains both a livelihood and a craft that I am deeply committed to preserving and continuing.

Your sons work alongside you, and your grandchildren grow up in the workshop. What do you most want them to inherit, not just the technique, but the way you think about the material?

What I hope to pass on to my children, first and foremost, is my passion for this craft. More broadly, I also want to pass it on to others because I still have goals that I have not yet achieved, and I can’t accomplish them alone.

What is it like to see your glass jewellery worn and loved by so many customers all over the world?

I felt a great sense of happiness when I saw people appreciating my craft and the products I create. That happiness is even greater when I see people wearing the pieces I have made, or when I meet people who recognise me and come to greet me, even though I do not know them personally. They know me through my work and the products I have created.

You've been blowing glass for close to five decades. Is there still a moment in the process that surprises you, or have your hands made peace with the material completely?

Even after all these years, I continue to discover something new about glass every day and deepen my connection with it. I find inspiration through videos of people working with glass, photographs, the landscapes I see in Palestine, and the experiences of everyday life. I am constantly observing different designs, colours, and forms around me and drawing ideas from them. These moments continue to shape my creativity and inspire my work.

How  has your relationship with the craft evolved over the years, and what continues to inspire you today?

The development of this craft happens every day and every year through my interactions with people and customers who come and go, as well as through the evolution of raw materials and colouring techniques around the world, which continue to expand the possibilities of this profession. The people around me and my surroundings are a constant source of inspiration, and I find myself thinking about this craft and solving its challenges even while I am asleep, because it has become an essential part of my life.

Every handcrafted piece  tells a story. What do you hope people feel or connect with when they hold or use an item from the Azaz Collection?

There is a simple story from Jerash. During one of our exhibitions, a family came to see the displayed pieces. One of the girls picked up a piece, admired it, and then put it back because she could not afford it. I decided to give it to her because I appreciated the connection she felt with the piece and wanted her to have it. For me, it was not about the money. The message I want to share is that when someone truly loves something, its value goes beyond its price. What brings me happiness is seeing my pieces with people and knowing that they bring joy to those who appreciate them.

How long does it take you to make a piece, and is there a particular style you enjoy making?