Drawing Moroccan Patterns (2 part series)

Join VAWAA Artist and multidisciplinary craftsman Hamza for a 2 week series that takes us into the labyrinthine streets of Fes through the beautiful geometric patterns that adorn the city.

On two consecutive Saturdays, June 4th and 11th at 12PM EST, we’ll use compass, ruler and divider to draw patterns Hamza has found for us. 

These patterns have been specially selected for beginners and those at an intermediate level, but participants of all levels are welcome to join the challenge and will find it useful. You can also check out other online sessions by Hamza here.

As always, you'll meet others in the community from around the world. There will be live Andalusian oud music by Hamza, plenty of time to ask questions, draw together and share. After the session, we'll have the opportunity to continue discussions and share in the private FB group.

If you are not in EST time zone, be sure to convert the time.

Session 1: June 4th 12PM -  2PM EST

Mtamen Maakoos b Qandil Tarbia - the Reversed 8 Fold ft. the Square Oil Lamp Shape, from the 14th C. Bou Inania Madrasa

Session 2: June 11th 12PM - 2PM EST

al-Qatyani, from the 14th C. Moulay Idriss II

What you'll need

A compass, divider, mechanical pencil: 0.5 HB (any), ruler, sheets of paper (A3), eraser, sharpener, and coloring pencils.

How to join

We'll be hosting this VAWAA Online on Zoom. We'll send link and details to join via email 1 day and again 1 hour before it begins.

About Hamza

Hamza is a geometer, brass-smith, bookbinder, an Andalusian Oud musician, and founder of a crafts studio dedicated to Moroccan arts and crafts in Fes. He comes from a multigenerational family of artisans and passing on crafts knowledge is a family culture. He apprenticed under his father and traveled around 15 countries crafting and learning from masters. Now his mission is to continue this legacy and help people around the world connect with old Moroccan crafts. His traditional art revolves around the art of Compass & Ruler. With those two instruments, he draws and traces Moorish and Islamic geometric patterns, etches and engraves them on brass and copper trays and embosses them on leather book covers.

Visit his artist page to learn more about his in-person VAWAA.

Reviews

"Hamza always delivers an amazing experience! His instructions are excellent, his pace is perfect, and his patience with us is unsurpassed. Not only does he supplement our art experience, but he enriches it with stories of culture, history, linguistics and more, including serenading us on his oud!" - Laurie

"Loved the class for many reasons. Loved the craftsman, Moroccan approach, cultural history. Hamza is such a knowledgeable, friendly and patient teacher. So glad to have studied with him." - Eleanor

"Wonderful workshop by an experienced craftsman and educator. Hamza goes into detailed construction of the patterns with frequent checks to make sure the participants are following along. His instructions are clear and easy to follow. He includes cultural references in his talk and keeps the audience engaged throughout the class. Highly recommend this class." - AMK

"As always, Hamza was a great teacher!  He constantly challenged me to do my best even when it isn't up to par with the other participants. He is multitalented, patient, and a very good artist!  Thank you, Hamza!" - Jeanne

"Hamza is always kind and patient with anyone who is struggling. His knowledge is complete, not just in the process he is teaching but also in the culture and history of Morocco, which makes the class so rewarding beyond just learning a new skill" - Laurel

"Working live with Hamza was truly inspiring. He is an excellent teacher and was also able to ground us with the cultural significance of his art all throughout the lesson." - Steve

"Mr Hamza is an amazing teacher. He taught in a simple way and he gave a nice historical speech about islamic geometry. I love how he gives variations and different possibilities of the pattern. This opens up our curiosity and nourish our creativity." - Mona

"Excellent creativity and imagination shown in the works" - Richard

"Well conducted using Zoom enabling us to understand the process and produce an attractive repeating pattern in a short time." - Sally

"Another amazing two hours spent with Hamza. So much insight and rich cultural context, but also Hamza has a special ability to make the complex and advanced accessible to people of any level." - Ezra

Browse other VAWAA Online Sessions

Learn more about VAWAA in-person mini apprenticeships

Subscribe to latest news and updates from around the world here