Arabesque Pattern and Plaster Carving with Adam Williamson

Reed Society is honored to present Adam Williamson to the DMV for a weekend retreat.

The first day will feature:

Moroccan Stucco Patterns
Participants will draw a biomorphic stucco rosette inspired by the Bou Inania Madrasa (1356), Fez, learning how carved plaster decoration is designed specifically for architectural surfaces.

Arabesque Patterns (Islimi & Rumi)
This session explores the Islimi arabesque tradition, with a focus on the Rumi family of motifs. Participants will learn how vegetal forms interlock, branch, and repeat, creating dynamic yet controlled compositions.

Geometric Persian Patterns
A more advanced geometric session focusing on 5- and 10-fold symmetry, commonly found in medieval Persian architecture. Participants will learn to construct complex polygonal systems and understand their structural logic.

The second day will feature:

Plaster Carving

A full-day, hands-on workshop introducing traditional plaster carving techniques. Participants will work with cast plaster panels and carve either a geometric or biomorphic pattern of their choice, using traditional tools and methods.

Adam is a leading specialist in geometric and biomorphic (Arabesque) pattern, a traditional cursive art form that can be found universally. The visual crystallisation of movement, biomorphs express the archetypal cycles inherent in nature, from plant growth, sound vibrations and oceanic currents to the expansion of galaxies.

Adam co-runs immersive study trips to locations all over the world. In 2022 his book “Profound Patterns” was published, he has also contributed chapters to the best selling Thames and Hudson book and is currently working on an extensive manual on biomorphic pattern.

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Host or Publisher Reed Society for the Sacred Arts