Hama, Jan. 31 (SANA) Not everything mixed with water becomes clay, and not everything dried beneath the sun hardens into lifeless stone. In the hands of an artist, concrete rebels against its nature it refuses to remain mere mute material for raising ceilings or anchoring walls. Here, in the workshop of Khayal (imagination), concrete becomes alive: poured into silicone molds like liquid dreams, then left to set, carrying within its form the patience of its maker, the courage of experimentation, and the whisper of a human soul.
From Childhood Passion to Artistic profession: A Journey Without End
Nidal Al-Hassan, known in craft circles as “Khayal,” recalls how his love for hands on creation began in childhood whenever an idea or object captivated him, he felt compelled to recreate it with his own hands. “I was never content just to observe something,” he shares. “I challenged myself to bring it to life in my own way.” That spirit of exploration led him, two years ago, to discover the world of concrete art through simple online videos using balloons and cardboard boxes as rudimentary molds. But he soon realized this medium demanded more than just mixing cement and water it required patience, precision and the touch of an artist.
The Greatest Challenge: From Costly Powder to a Signature, Competitive Blend
As concrete art evolved beyond traditional construction into a contemporary artistic movement, a major obstacle emerged for new artisans: the high cost of specialized concrete powder used to refine texture and durability costs that often outweighed the selling price of finished pieces. “Khayal” entered a phase of intensive experimentation, spending months in his home laboratory testing ratios of cement, sand, and fillers until he developed a proprietary blend that preserved both strength and smoothness while remaining economically viable. “Mistakes were essential to the journey,” he emphasizes. “Every failed attempt was a lesson that brought me closer to the result I envisioned.”
The Secret of “Khayal’s Sealant”: An Innovation that Protects and Illuminates
Among Nidal’s most notable achievements is his development of a unique sealant that imparts a glass-like, luminous finish to concrete pieces while shielding them from cracking and moisture damage. This formula described by its creator as “something I labored over extensively before perfecting” he has chosen to keep as a guarded signature of his brand. Today, “Khayal’s Sealant” is sold as a standalone product and has gained wide popularity among local artisans, transforming what began as a personal tool into a catalyst for a budding local craft industry.
A Philosophy that Rejects Repetition: Every Piece a Unique Being
Nidal resists mechanical replication in his work. While he designs pieces ranging from minimalist home décor and sculptural art to contemporary furniture using custom silicone molds, he insists on adding subtle, individual touches that give each creation its own identity. “I believe a piece must carry a soul and a fingerprint,” he says. “Concrete is a rigid material, but what matters is drawing something that breathes from within it.” This vision defines his distinctive style, where techniques like marbling and inlay emerge as hallmarks of his artistic language.
Passion Before Profit: A Dream of a Creative Hub
Though concrete art currently serves as a secondary source of income, Nidal describes it as “an inexhaustible passion” a space for continuous expression and experimentation. Looking ahead, he dreams of opening a dedicated studio-store under his name, gathering under one roof all materials for artistic concrete work alongside tools for broader handicrafts. “I want a place that doesn’t just sell supplies, but inspires visitors a living workshop that brings together artists and enthusiasts alike,” he explains, viewing support for this culture as an investment in local creativity.
Conclusion: The Courage to Begin-Mistakes Mark the Start, Not the End
“Khayal” closes with a message to anyone hesitating to pursue their passion: “Every dream demands courage and trial. Don’t fear mistakes they aren’t failures, but lessons at the beginning of the path.” For him, concrete is no longer just a building material. It has become an artistic language one that transforms hardness into spirit, and a reminder that beauty can blossom even from the sternest elements, when touched by a believing hand.
Iman Al-zuheiri/Mazen
