Last week we went to visit Culture Vultures, an organization that is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges through the arts. Guided by the dynamic Sefrou-based artist Jess Stephens, it arranges cultural events and residencies to facilitate dialogues between Moroccan artisans and visiting artists.
By happy coincidence, Fatima (our language instructor during Peace Corps training) now works with Culture Vultures, so we were able to visit with her as we learned about CV's upcoming artisan residencies.
In addition to seeing CV's facilities (located in a marvelous old two-story artisan center) we had the pleasure of working with a master metal smith and his son in their Fes studio. Their bright, simple workspace is located in a large warehouse crammed with all varieties of metal-working activity. We were given a "hands-on" introduction to the tools and methods of hammering designs onto copper trays. Using a divider, hammer and various steel dies, we began to understand and appreciate the craft on an experiential level! Which is one of the intentions!
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By happy coincidence, Fatima (our language instructor during Peace Corps training) now works with Culture Vultures, so we were able to visit with her as we learned about CV's upcoming artisan residencies.
In addition to seeing CV's facilities (located in a marvelous old two-story artisan center) we had the pleasure of working with a master metal smith and his son in their Fes studio. Their bright, simple workspace is located in a large warehouse crammed with all varieties of metal-working activity. We were given a "hands-on" introduction to the tools and methods of hammering designs onto copper trays. Using a divider, hammer and various steel dies, we began to understand and appreciate the craft on an experiential level! Which is one of the intentions!
Fatima leads us to the workshop through the labyrinthine alleys of the old Fes Medina.
Each steel die stamps a particular pattern on the copper sheet. They are used individually and together to create traditional geometric patterns.
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The Master at work.
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