The Course - 2022
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The eight-day residential summer school in Islamic Geometric Patterns runs from 16th July to 23rd July inclusive. Tutors Alan Adams, Rajen Astho, Samira Mian, Ameet Hindocha and Daud Sutton will present practical and theoretical sessions.
The course focuses on the principles and possibilities of the star-rosette patterns that are one of the most distinctive and admired aspects of Islamic ornamental design. It covers a broad selection of these patterns, from well-known classics that occur in many places and periods, to unique great historical masterpieces and new discoveries.
Attendees may choose from sessions designed to cater for a wide range of abilities, from complete beginners curious to understand how these patterns work, to experienced practitioners looking to deepen their understanding of more complex patterns or to learn about exploring as yet undiscovered possibilities in the art form.
The course centres on the construction of these patterns by hand using the simple tools of ruler and compass to trace the unfolding of two-dimensional geometric patterns from the fundamental forms of line and circle. Through this process, attendees will explore aspects of practical geometry, the simple but elegant mathematics behind the patterns, examples of their application in historical works, and the great sophistication to which they can be taken.
Our highly experienced tutors combine a wide selection of pre-prepared materials with the ability to teach flexibly and adapt to the individual needs of attendees. Tutors who are not leading sessions will be on hand in the sessions to assist attendees.
The drafting tools and materials needed for the course will be supplied. If you already have your own drafting tools, favourite papers, or other materials that you use in your work you are also encouraged to bring them.
Schedule
MORNING PRACTICAL SESSIONS
Two morning sessions will run simultaneously from 09:30 to 11:30
Morning Fundamentals led by Samira Mian
Several fundamental concepts and techniques underpin the visual language of Islamic star-rosette patterns. If these are understood soundly the independent analysis of historical patterns is within the grasp of most enthusiasts. Samira Mian will lead these sessions using a carefully constructed syllabus that introduces these fundamentals.
These sessions are recommended for all but advanced students, or those who completed the fundamentals syllabus at last year's Summer School last year.
The Next Level led by Ameet Hindocha
These sessions follow on from the Fundamentals syllabus, exploring some of the more sophisticated interrelationships between classic star rosette patterns. In the process, students will cover some of the next level concepts of pattern analysis, construction and exploration.
These sessions are recommended for those who completed the fundamentals syllabus at last year's Summer School, or who are already well familiar with constructing star rosette patterns.
AFTERNOON PRACTICAL SESSIONS
Afternoon sessions run simultaneously from 16:00 to 18:00.
These sessions will explore some of how the fundamental patterns and principles can be extended. The number of simultaneous sessions and their content will be decided as we get a better idea of the number of attendees and their past experience.
EVENING LECTURES & DEMONSTRATIONS
Our tutors will present a series of evening lectures and demonstrations daily from 19:00 to 20:00.
These will cover a variety of topics such as the context and meaning of Islamic Geometric Patterns, essential structures in intermediate patterns, drawing tools, useful software, and the role of form vocabularies in more complex pattern design.
DEDICATED TUTOR SUPPORT
Our tutors will be available for attendees to schedule times outside the sessions to discuss specific questions. They will also be available informally throughout the course. The studio spaces will be available for extra drawing time and meetings when not in use for sessions.
