Anagha Nair

The long roads leading out of the center of the Syrian province of Hama wind up and down along the Sahl al-Ghab, the forested plains that crown the northern part of the province. Large fields in various shades of green meet the eye, the path lined by pink blossoms marking the long-awaited Syrian spring. Hassan Duleybi calls Sahl al-Ghab his home. He lives in Jamasat Udayat al-Sharia, a village of rows of gray cement houses, interspersed with the occasional grazing cow or goat.

Whether you’re a professional artist or not, a creative block can come your way in the form of confusion, burnout or a lack of motivation. Since creativity exists in most of what we do, it is imperative to find ways to keep our creative juices flowing! Here are four great ways to awaken your hidden maker or maybe just help you find inspiration when it’s tough.

Less than an hour away from the bustle of Damascus lies Quneitra, one of Syria’s smallest provinces. Its landscape of flat fields is dotted by shepherds grazing their cattle, and dams stretch across the land, grayish-brown with hints of blue water standing out against the endless green. The fields are hugged by hills, often home to United Nations outposts, and more frequently now, Israeli military bases.