GENERAL INFORMATION

This 20-week-long elementary and intermediate-level course will allow students to gain a perspective in analyzing geometric patterns, a historical awareness of Islamic civilizations, and foundational knowledge of science and art history.

• Course Title: Levels I & II: Four & Six Fold Patterns
• Course Schedule: Tuesday, 5pm UTC (convert to local timezone
• Duration: October 1 – February 25 (20 weeks)
• Course Format: Online* (1.5 hours) 
• *Recordings will only be available for those with excused absences. See student handout for homework and recording policy for this course.
• Prerequisites: Participants must be 16 years or older and be familiar with using a compass. 
• Installment plans available through PayPal and customer’s credit card.
• No refunds will be issued, emphasizing the importance of ensuring participants possess the necessary skills to match the course’s advanced level.
• Student Expectations: Students are expected to submit at least one execution of a pattern every week. They will qualify for the certification based on their assignment submissions and live class attendance. 
• Instructor: Dr. Serap Ekizler Sönmez (Geometer/Artist/ Historian of Islamic Architecture)

THE CONTENT AND AIM OF THE PROGRAM

The examples of geometric ornamentations found mainly in architecture, almost everywhere in the Muslim world, are testaments to great Islamic civilizations of the past. Learning from these and specifically looking at the Middle Ages, we can understand the civilizations and their span. Although there are studies on this topic, they fall short in evaluating the subject in the context of the history of Islamic civilizations, analyzing the richness of the compositions mathematically, and keeping the geographical conditions in mind.

It is also not sufficient to point out the physical existence of the geometrical patterns within the Islamic sciences, geometry, algebra, architecture, art history, history of science, philosophy, and even physical sciences such as physics, chemistry, and biology. Instead, they should be explored holistically within the given multidisciplinary frame. Only then questions such as the nature of the triangular relationship of the artisan-scientist-craftsman, the way patterns are produced, and the methods used by the craftsman when employing a given pattern can come to light. Otherwise, something will always be missing.

The extent to which patronage is essential in producing works of art is another question that needs to be addressed. The fact that science and art flourish when supported is known to everybody.

With all this in mind, this class will provide a framework for understanding the dynamics of Islamic civilizations. As we study this field, an artistic manifestation of science, students will gain foundational knowledge of the history of science and art, a perspective in analyzing geometrical patterns, and an understanding of the history of Islamic civilizations.

At the end of this workshop, students will learn basic geometric structures of geometrical patterns. They will be able to analyze, at a basic level, a geometric pattern they may encounter. Additionally, they will have an understanding of the history of Islamic architecture. They will realize the developments and the changes in the materials and the conception of the designs across different regions. With the knowledge of the history of science, students will gain awareness of a civilization that has produced an advanced level of science. In addition, they will recover their confidence in their Islamic heritage. Finally, with the knowledge of the history of art and architecture and the study of specific works, the students will dig into the notion of tawhid (oneness) in Islamic aesthetics and understand Islamic arts.

*Benefiting from multiple disciplines, this unique academic and systematic program is designed especially for the DeenArts Foundation.

This course focuses on pattern construction and analysis. Students interested in honing their artistic skills can enroll in the “Introduction to Geometric Patterns: Drawing and Painting” course in addition to this class.

REQUIRED MATERIALS 

• • Compass (Suggested high end: Compass Drawing Tool
  • 12 inch/ 30 cm ruler
  • Mechanical Pencil (suggested 0.5mm) 
  • Pencil (H and 4B)
  • A3 size watercolor paper (good quality 130gsm or greater)
  • Tracing paper
  • Masking/Artist Tape
  • Precision eraser (Suggested Tombow Mono Zero)
  • Colour pencils 
  • Fine line pens, assorted colors

ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Serap Ekizler Sonmez