This introductory geometry class familiarizes students with the principles and language of traditional geometry, starting from nature’s creative principles and seeing how these inform traditional arts universally.

Starting with an overview and exploration of the formal language of stylized flower and plant forms in Islamic art, this course prepares students to recognise and develop the principles and forms that are prevalent in the art of biomorphic design.

This class introduces students to skills of observational and analytical drawing. Students learn to stylize and refine drawn elements to reveal universal principles that are present within the particularities of our observed surroundings.

This course introduces the processes of refinement and preparation. Learning to transform the raw materials of earth, stones, plants, and resins into paint gives the artist profound respect for the nature of their materials.

The second level of geometry courses develops the students’ drawing skills and understanding in pattern construction and composition. Students will extend their investigations into symmetry families of the Square Root 2 and 3, as well as the basic Golden Mean grids.

This course incorporates the visual vocabular and skills introduced in Nabati Ornamentation: Motifs, introducing students to principles of compositional design as applied in various craft contexts.

For students who wish to create their own designs for application in specific media, this course supports students in adapting both geometric and biomorphic designs to various craft contexts, including painting, woodworking, gypsum, textiles, and ceramics.

Ceramics are an artform that can be either decorative, utilitarian, or architectural, requiring students to thoughtfully integrate design and craft skills in order to achieve successful outcomes. Students will explore painted vessels, geometric tiles, and other ceramic skills.

A range of courses are included under this topic, including Contextual Decorative Design, Methods and Materials, Egg Tempera Painting, and Gilding and various traditional painting techniques found in the region and its neighbouring areas.

The field of textiles includes some of the earliest artforms practiced by the human race. These courses closely unite an understanding of materials given to us by the natural world with practical craft skills and careful handiwork.

There are many different ways of engaging with the warm, living material of wood. A range of courses will offer students the opportunity to explore both geometric and biomorphic designs in wood, drawing on a variety of traditional techniques.

Gypsum is a traditional material that is widely used as a decorative element in the interiors and exteriors of many historic buildings. This course will teach students how to correctly mix and pour gypsum, as well as carve geometric and biomorphic patterns into its surface.