I was very moved reading this heartfelt and insightful article, reflecting upon the experience of learning a traditional Islamic craft. Fareena Chanda spent a week studying the art of tezhib / tezhip (Islamic manuscript illumination) at my studio in Windsor earlier this year. Over the course of a week, we explored traditional methods for preparing paper, creating shell gold and making paints from pigment, brushwork, and traditional painting techniques from the world of Islamic illuminated manuscripts. In her article, Fareena expresses the essence of creating an illuminated artwork.

The process of creating an illuminated painting, stage by stage. Fareena Chanda uses one of my designs to practice her technique.
I am very much looking forward to seeing how Fareena’s studies and travels will influence her future creative path.