Egyptian and Islamic Design in Clay with Ibrahim Said
- Description
- Location
- About The Artist
- Policies
Along with wheel throwing demonstrations showing traditional Egyptian forms, Ibrahim Said will discuss and demonstrate the use of geometry in Islamic design as the basis for both traditional Islamic ware and his own sculptural ceramic work. He will walk through the steps from drawing on construction lines directly onto clay and developing designs as he works with the form. Ibrahim will demonstrate how even similar underlying ge
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Day 1: Ibrahim will begin with wheel throwing and trimming demonstrations discussing the importance of clay thickness to the type of carving that can be explored. He will discuss and demonstrate the use of geometry in Islamic design as the basis for both traditional Islamic ware and his own sculptural ceramic work. He will show how he divides vessels into equal sections and what he considers when deciding what designs could work on which forms.
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Day 2: Ibrahim will demonstrate the steps from drawing geometric construction lines into clay and how that underpinning can develop into both simple and incredibly complex patterns. Even similar underlying geometric structures can become a variety of different patterns in both relief and carving techniques. Class will discuss various glazing and slip techniques and how they work with relief carving.
Additional Information:
- A 25-pound bag of clay will be provided. If you choose to keep your piece from the workshop, we are happy to fire your piece for an additional $75. You will also have access to our glazes for your workshop piece.
- Skill Level Required: Throwing experience is required.
588 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA, 90013
This is a two-day workshop meeting on:
- Saturday, September 20th, 2025: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sunday, September 21st, 2025: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Bio: From the narrow streets, pottery ovens, and noisy workshops of Fustat, Ibrahim Said was born in 1976. Fustat is an area in Cairo, Egypt that has etched its name in the
history of the pottery industry since the Islamic conquest. Ibrahim comes from a family
of potters, and his father became his first teacher and the rich cultural heritage of Egypt became his second. Known for his elegant vases that are included in some prestigious Middle East collections, Ibrahim’s work is inspired by the ancient work of Egyptians- the strong lines and bold shapes- although his signature work embodies a lightness that comes from his silhouettes, small bases, and delicate finials.
His carvings are derived from Islamic jug filter designs, which were both functional and
aesthetic. The carved area in the neck of the jug filtered out impurities when water was
collected in the Nile. Ibrahim wanted to find a way to bring these ancient carvings back
to life while somehow maintaining their history.
He has participated in workshops and demonstrations throughout the Middle East, and
has been highly recognized for his technical ability, creativity, and innovation in the field
of ceramics. His work is included in numerous collections including the Brooklyn
Museum, Smithsonion Museum of American Art, Victoria and Albert Museum, National
Gallery of Scotland, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Wellin Museum of Art, Colby Museum
of Art, and Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, among others.
By enrolling in a class or workshop, you are acknowledging that you have read and understand the safety instructions and liability waiver.
Cancellations made 4 or more days before the start of the class will be refunded. For cancellations made fewer than 4 full days, but more than 24 hours before the start time, a 50% refund or 50% credit toward another class or workshop will be issued. We cannot provide refunds or credits for cancellations or rescheduling requests made fewer than 24 hours before the start time of class, if you miss your class, or arrive too late to participate.