Golden Pages (Dr. Esra Alhamal)

Dr Federica Gigante is the curator of the collection from the Islamic World in the History of Science Museum at Oxford University. From the intricate beauty of Islamic metalworks to the challenges of cataloging, she offers us an enlightening experience in this episode of the Golden Pages podcast.

We explore the world of Islamic metalworks, shedding light on their advanced sophistication. Our conversation takes us from an exploration of northern Italy’s lesser known museums to  the unique process of curating an exhibition and the story behind the Courtauld Bag, an exceptional piece from the Ilkhanid dynasty.

From the challenges of preserving Islamic metalwork to understanding the narratives drawn from these artifacts, Dr. Gigante offers profound insight into the intricate process of cataloging these priceless relics of history.

Links: https://oxford.academia.edu/FedericaGigante

https://twitter.com/Federica_Gig

Golden Pages is presented by  Dr. Esra Alhamal and  brought to you by the School of Gilding and Ornamentation, Fujairah, UAE. For more information on the School of Gilding and Ornamentation, please visit our website https://socofujairah.ae/ and sign up to our newsletter to be in the loop.

Clarissa Grandi is a UK-based artist, author, and teacher who beautifully intertwines mathematics, art, and nature in her work.

In this episode of the Golden page podcast, Clarissa  introduces us to her unique blend of teaching that revives the study of mathematics, infusing it with the vibrancy of art. We discuss her journey into the world of Islamic geometry, elaborating on the inspiration she garners from nature and her research into the golden ratio. 

We also discuss paper embroidery, online learning and the power of social media in creating an artist community.

https://www.instagram.com/clarissagrandi.art

Golden Pages is presented by  Dr. Esra Alhamal and  brought to you by the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, Fujairah, UAE.

For more information on the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, please visit our website https://socofujairah.ae/ and sign up to our newsletter to be in the loop.

Journey through the celestial origins of gold and its transformation into the soul of magnificent artwork in this enriching conversation with Master Gilder Richard Walker. In this episode of the Golden Pages podcast, Richard shares his passion for this craft, his favorite techniques, and his unique experiences.

From selecting the right kind of gold leaf to the intricate art of sealing, he reveals how patience and practice can lead to awe-inspiring results. We also uncover the fascinating world of Western Gilding, discussing the traditional recipes and techniques that have stood the test of time. 

Richard also shares stories from his favorite restoration projects, including the HMS Warrior in Portsmouth Harbour. He also reveals his techniques in distressing and aging pieces, creating an illusion of time that confers a rustic charm to his masterpieces. 

Links:

https://watergild.com/ 

https://socofujairah.ae/

Golden Pages is presented by  Dr. Esra Alhamal and  brought to you by the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, Fujairah, UAE.

For more information on the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, please visit our website sogofujairah.ae and sign up to our newsletter to be in the loop.

Joumana Medlej is a renowned artist, author, and educator from Lebanon. Her distinct visual language, steeped in the historical, compositional, and order aspects of the Arabic alphabet, is drawn from the rich influence of early Islamic art.

In this episode of the Golden Pages podcast, Joumana shares intricate details about her latest masterpiece, the Book of Abjad, which explores the alphanumerical nature of the abjadiyah. Her artist books, such as the Book of the Moon, are more than just works of art - they are mystical journeys that evoke a sense of richness and mystery. Along with these, we also discuss her project, 'The Canticle of Creatures,' a reproduction of a 12th century Karmatian Quran.

This episode offers a fascinating perspective on Arabic calligraphy and artist books, we also look at the importance of an online presence for artists with insights into crowdfunding and Patreon. 

Links:

https://majnouna.com/

https://www.instagram.com/joumajnouna/

Golden Pages is presented by  Dr. Esra Alhamal and  brought to you by the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, Fujairah, UAE.

For more information on the School of Gilding and Ornamentation, please visit our website https://socofujairah.ae/ and sign up to our newsletter to be in the loop.

Dr Annabel Gallop is the lead curator of the Southeast Asia collection at the British Library. She has an eye for the unique and distinctive, and a penchant for Malay seals, illuminated Malay letters, and Quranic manuscripts. 

In this episode of the Golden Pages Podcast, we navigate the vast collection of the British Library, home to approximately 500 Indonesian manuscripts. Dr Gallop elaborates on the challenges of cataloging and studying these intricate works. She also shares how the British Library is striving to make these valuable resources more accessible.

We explore Malay seals, their use for authentication and their role in the Islamic world. Dr. Gallop reveals the cultural significance of these seals and the insight they provide into names, titles, and personal artistic expressions. Be prepared for an adventure, as we unearth hidden treasures in the realm of Southeast Asian manuscripts and illumination.

Links:

https://www.bl.uk/

Golden Pages is presented by  Dr. Esra Alhamal and  brought to you by the School of Gilding and Ornamentation, Fujairah, UAE.

For more information on the School of Gilding and Ornamentation, please visit our website sogofujairah.ae and sign up to our newsletter to be in the loop.

In this episode of the Golden Pages podcast, we meet multi-media artist Sara Davis, a specialist in the art of illumination, medieval manuscripts, and woodworking. 

From her early love for art, encouraged by her creative mother and grandmother, Sara shares her journey into studying fine art and further specialising in wood carving and gilding at the City and Guilds of London Art School. We explore the materials and methods involved in gilding and medieval illumination and learn about some traditional recipes for gilding.

We also discuss her artistic process, the significance of achieving a balance between art commissions and personal artwork, and her inspiration drawn from organic creature projects. 

• https://www.sarahgdavis.co.uk
• https://www.instagram.com/sarahdavisartist

Golden Pages is presented by  Dr. Esra Alhamal and  brought to you by the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, Fujairah, UAE.

For more information on the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, please visit our website https://socofujairah.ae/ and sign up to our newsletter to be in the loop.

Nagihan Seymour is a UK based Turkish artist with a captivating journey from materials engineer to a Tezhip illumination, ceramic & sacred geometry artist and teacher.

In this episode of the Golden Pages podcast, Nagihan reveals to us how her engineering background played a critical role in her artistry and opens up about the invaluable lessons she learned from her mentor. 

We discuss how respect for your teacher, coupled with a willingness to embrace the process, is vital in achieving mastery. We also explore her fascination with ceramics, her first encounter with a kiln and the contrast she discovered between painting on paper and ceramics. Nagihan also gives a peek into her creative process, her approach to designing motifs, and her unique interpretation of nature's flowers in her art.

Links:

• https://www.nagihanseymour.com
• https://www.instagram.com/nagihanseymour
• https://twitter.com/nagihanseymour

Golden Pages is presented by  Dr. Esra Alhamal and  brought to you by the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, Fujairah, UAE. For more information on the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, please visit our website https://socofujairah.ae/ and sign up to our newsletter to be in the loop.

Simran Kaur Panesar is a Kenyan born artist, living in London, with roots hailing in Punjab and India. Simran’s work in miniature paintings, frescos and motifs is a testament to the rich heritage of Sikhism, interweaving tales of her Kenyan roots and Punjab lineage in the strokes of her brush. 

 In this episode of the Golden Pages podcast, Simran takes us through the intriguing world of Indian and Persian Miniature Art, revealing her creative process, from making her own paints to foraging for pigments in nature. She discusses the deep spirituality and divinity embedded in her art, and we also explore the nuances that distinguish modern art practices from traditional forms. 

This episode is not just about art; it is about tradition, storytelling, and the beauty of finding meaning in your practice.

https://www.instagram.com/simrankaurpanesar.art

Golden Pages is presented by  Dr. Esra Alhamal and  brought to you by the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, Fujairah, UAE. For more information on the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, please visit our website https://socofujairah.ae/ and sign up to our newsletter to be in the loop.

This show will shine the light on arts from the Islamic lands such as traditional manuscripts, Illumination, gilding techniques, miniature, calligraphy, ornamentation and bookmaking traditions. All of these subjects will also be taught in our school so keep an eye on our website: https://socofujairah.ae