Islamic Geometric Drawing with Samira Mian Session 1

Across this series of six 90-minute sessions, Samira Mian will guide you step by step through the construction of a range of Islamic geometric patterns from across the Islamic lands.

Each session works as a stand-alone workshop, while the series is designed to progressively build skills, confidence and understanding from one session to the next.

Working with a compass and straightedge, the same simple tools used by generations of artisans and geometers for centuries, discover how intricate patterns emerge from layers of carefully constructed circles and lines. Samira will help you become familiar with the tools and materials before guiding you through each construction.

Along the way, develop practical skills for extending and repeating patterns, both by drawing fuller geometric constructions and by learning how to transfer and tile designs using tracing paper.

You will also have the opportunity to explore colour and creative techniques to develop patterns further, transforming geometric drawings into beautiful artworks.

Session outline

• Session 1 – Sixfold Curves
• Session 2 – Sixfold Stars
• Session 3 – Eightfold Stars
• Session 4 – Exploring Eightfold from Morocco & Spain
• Session 5 –Eightfold Rosette
• Session 6 – Twelvefold Rosette

Samira Mian uses her background in mathematics and education to share her knowledge and artistic passion. Breathing new life into the centuries-old technique of straight edge and compasses rigorous geometry to recreate geometric patterns from the Islamic Lands.

She researches and analyses the geometry of these patterns to create intriguing and beautiful art and teach others too. She’s not necessarily a traditional artist and enjoys working intuitively, reimagining these great patterns with a fresh eye in contemporary colours and styles. For the last 10 years, she has regularly led workshops in the UK and abroad as well as reaching many online via social media, Patreon, Udemy and her YouTube channel. She loves opportunities that come her way in meeting and working with a wide range of people, brands and organisations.

To share this intellectual and beautiful heritage from the Islamic Lands and the immensely satisfying pursuits they involve with the widest possible audience is a dream come true.

Part of Healing Ealing

These workshops are part of the Healing Ealing programme, a series of sessions at the recently reopened Perceval House led by some of the borough’s leading creatives. Join us for Healing Ealing, exploring how taking part in creative activity can improve your wellbeing.