Design Inspiration - Culture

Culture Collide

Morocco has long been an exciting and interested destination for the world traveller and as an  inspiration by the artists. A myriad of colours, fragrances and spices greets you in Morocco.

But it isn't only about colours and spices, the reality is there is something elating about Morocco. It is a place "where the sun sets", they called the land"al bilad al Maghreb" by the Arab when they first arrived in the 7th century. The place where two worlds meet: African, European and Berber meet; where rich African culture blends with colourful Arabian culture; Muslim & Jewish meet Christianity; also two oceans, the Atlantic touches the Mediterranean at the strait of Gibraltar. In my own word, Morocco is a place where cultures collide by following law of nature.

Before I say anything else, let me just mention the 14th century legendary a young Medieval Muslim Moroccan traveller Muhammad Ibn Batutta once wrote: “Travelling gives you a home in a thousand strange places, then leaves you a stranger in your own land”.  He started his journey from his home town of Tangier to the valley of Makkah, journey which took him 33 years. Over a period of his extensive travels, Ibn Battuta visited most of the known Islamic world as well as many non-Muslim lands. His journeys included trips to North Africa, the Horn of Africa, West Africa and Eastern Europe, and to the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and China. I eagerly  want to walk in his footstep journey. Alas... something hard to belief it will come true.

Looking for inspiration, How could I ignore the exotic traditions of a rich culture which live on in the dress, food, customs, festivities and indeed the way in which guests are received. They are ancient history and hospitality blended harmoniously.

There are some sketches I drew which inspired by essences of Morocco.

Shades of Blue

 

Designs 1 & 2 of  the Shades of Blue collection

Inspiration 

Chefchaouen is a city in northwest Morocco, situated in the Rif Mountains, just inland from Tangier and Tetouan. It is the chief town of the province of the same name, and is noted for its buildings in shades of blue. 

 Night light of blue city - Chefchaouen, Morocco

Berber Imilchil Marriage Festival

Tannery process in Fez city

I will post others Shades of Blue sketching collection on the next posting,  meet me at

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