About Us

What is "Lines of Gold"?

Salam/Peace. My name is Salwa Medani and I'm the artist behind Lines of Gold, an art studio located in Northern Virginia, USA. I create art pieces that include decorative wall art, custom ebru paper, and jewelry. These are all inspired by art from the Islamic world, mainly tezhip, ebru, and Arabic calligraphy.

Tezhip, which is sometimes referred to as illumination or arabesque, is an art that focuses on floral and vegetal designs initially used to decorate the Qur'an. It uses vibrant colors and real gold leaf, thus the name "tezhip" which is the Turkish version of the Arabic word "tezhib" which means to turn something to gold or to cover with gold leaf. Later, this art was used to design beautiful pieces to decorate interior spaces.

Ebru - a Turkish water marbling - is a wonderful art form. It involves the use of water, pigments and the medium (paper, fabric, etc.). The water acts as the canvas. Natural pigments are sprinkled on this water and the art work is then transferred to the paper. Other materials can also be used. These include wood, fabric, ceramic and much more. Ebru is a wonderful art form that is relaxing and can be enjoyed by any age group. For details, please visit the Ebru page.

The name "Lines of Gold" was inspired by the tezhip art, which uses lines to create outlines to the flowers and various shapes used in the art piece. These lines are usually made with real gold. In my business, lines represent the connections between different peoples and cultures, and the word "gold" symbolizes the invaluable and precious connections - just like the precious gold metal- that occur between various people connected by my business, Lines of Gold.

Events / Exhibitions

1- Passport to the World

Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSS/NCA)

Washington, DC, USA

On Thursday March 1st, 2018, Lines of Gold exhibited its jewelry and art pieces at the "Passport to the World" event hosted by the Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSS/NCA) in celebration and fundraiser highlighting of the LSS/NCA’s past and present as it pivots to the future, the "Bold Journey".

2- Empowered Women International (EWI)

Maryland, USA

I have been selling my products at the EWI Annual Marketplace since 2018. It is always a great opportunity to meet different people, explain the different art forms used in my products, and share with them a live demonstration of ebru art with a hands on experience.

3- Bridges of Faith and Tradition
September 12-November 4, 2016
Loudoun County, Virginia, USA

An art exhibition that took place in 2016 where a number of Muslim artists showcased their artwork. The art display continued for a month.

 

4- All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS)
May 5-7, 2017
Loudoun County, Virginia, USA

During the ADAMS Center Inauguration and Open House in 2017, a number of Muslim artists - from the young to the mature- had the opportunity to exhibit their artworks. The event hosted a number of local government officials, faith community members, and non-Muslim neighbors and community members.