The dyers market in the Medina was the highlight of my visit to Marrakech as it evidenced the continuation of a traditional craft that had been in existence for centuries. I was not blind to the fact that there was an element of feeding the western tourist with what they want but when our young guide realised that I really understood and questioned the process going on in front of our eyes, we were taken to the roof tops to see the dye vats and the man tying scarves for resist designs as well as an area where they were working with felt.

The range of plants was interesting and included saffron, thistle and henna.  The powdered plat sources were in small terracotta bowls to show us how the colour of the powder does not determine the colour of the fibres and after the skeins have been in the large vats they are hung on bamboo poles to dry.
It was interesting battering for 2 scarves and as is said there is no 'right price' it has to be the price that the customer and the seller are happy with!

Majorelle gardens

An oasis of greenery and colour in the centre of Marrakesh was created by Jacques and Louis Majorelle in the 1930's. But it was when Yves Saint Lauren bought the gardens and opened them to the public that the bamboo groves with colours juxtaposed to give striking contrasts and subtle layers of colour, became famous. YSL still spends much of his time in Marrakesh and it has been his escape from the demands of the fashion world. Sitting and trying to capture the atmosphere and images was not easy but a big influence and once again the colours related to my 3 focus dyes the blues of indigo, the yellows of weld and the terracotta/pinks of madder.

Majorelle's studio has been transformed into a museum of Islamic Art and the shop with its books and artefacts revealed the treasure of my visit. el melhfa by Herve Negre and Claire Mitatre, written in Arabic with an English translation on the opposite page is the story of the Saharan veil which is worn to 'enhance women rather than conceal them. .. the colours, patterns, scents and fluidity of the folds of the fabric allows each veil to reveal something about the woman who wears it.'. The story is fascinating and the illustrations simply beautiful. For me the added treasure is the description and illustrations of the decorative processes including wax block resist. Reading the story of tribal traditions, history of Arabic design and  geographical influences on dye/colour is impacting on the possible direction of my practice. 

Essouria

A three hour trip on the bus to Essouria but what an adventure on the way. The only Europeans travelling through the changing countryside of eastern Morocco, observing the Moroccan passengers and seeing everything from goats in trees

(the goats are part of the process to make Aragon oil!) to women begging and being given some change by everyone. But the port of Essouria was magical. The blues of the fishing boats against the sea and the sky with the terracotta colours of the nets was inspiring as were the skeleton shapes of the new wooden boats being built. So many subjects to draw and so many colours to make.

Tomorrow we were to see more magical colours at the gardens of Majorelle

The colours of Marrakesh

Wandering round the Medina then taking the tour bus whose route was to the outer districts of the city showed the contrasts of the old and the new. But certain colours dominated - the ochres of the facades and browns of the kasbahs, the fruits of orange, the green piles of herbs and mint, the blues of traditional textiles and the sky, citric yellows and subtle pinks with white turbans make me think of the three colours I have chosen to use - madder, weld and indigo. The shades of the colours are numerous and mirrored by the architectural details and decorations. The tiles with geometric designs and wrought iron work make me think of the Art deco period. Sitting sipping mint tea and watching the character that is the uniqueness of Jemaa el Fna. Stalls piled high with spices and herbs, ceramics brightly painted or left as terracotta, textiles and rugs, with the story tellers and snake charmers attracting crowds. A magical day.

Marrakech New Year

2015 January
Researching into Practice : developing an understanding of natural dyes and their historical, cultural heritage.
An escape to Morocco for the New Year and a chance to research dyes and textiles in a different culture. Arrived at Riad surrounded by Moroccan architecture, sounds and smells. The courtyard filled with greenery as high as the roof and we sit in a large alcove drinking mint tea; which will feature large in our stay in Marrakesh! We are invited to a gathering for drinks in the Riad before the evening meal which turned out to be a really international affair with guests from all over Europe as well as Morocco.  The owners of Riad have organised art workshops including textiles and have interesting portfolios of these events - they may be interested in dye sessions?

Hajj at the British Museum

My visit to the British Museum was amazing and generated loads of ideas. The steel cubes by Idris Khan in the foyer are well worth a close look and me I enjoyed seeing the combination of text and sculpture. I am focussing on reflection at the moment and it was interesting to see the relation of one cube to it's neighbour and the shadows and reflections they created. The piece was inspired by his fathers pilgrimage to Mecca and the texts are prayers and extracts fron the Ku'ran.