I use traditional methods to create bespoke pieces for interiors and fine artworks. My work is inspired by decorative art traditions from around the world, with a particular focus on Zouaq – traditional Moroccan architectural painting on wood. I studied this form of decorative painting during a year long apprenticeship with a Master in Fez. All my pieces are made from natural materials, using hand ground pigments mixed with egg tempera and gold leaf. I create decorative paintings for interiors such as panels, murals and ceiling designs; small decorative objects such as boxes and lamps, and individual framed paintings and drawings. 

I enjoy working with natural pigments as the colours can be much softer and work more harmoniously together than synthetic paints. As the pigments are made of crushed earth and minerals, the tiny sparkling crystals of these rocks can still be seen in the finished painting, making the work take on different appearances in different light. The variations in the texture of the earths and rocks also adds an extra dimension to the compositions.

I paint using the ancient tradition of egg tempera, making it using egg yolk, water and vinegar. The solution acts as a binder, holding the pigment particles together in the paint. The pigments mix beautifully with the egg tempera solution and they dry to a matt finish. Once the paint has fully hardened it creates a very strong surface which is water resistant and the colours do not fade over time as they can with some other binders.

I often use gold leaf in my work to reflect light and enhance the patterns, using only the finest 24 carat gold leaf hand made in the UK. All my geometric constructions are created by hand, using a compass and ruler.

I’m particularly interested in patterns found in Morocco and Medieval Islamic Spain, but I have also enjoyed working on designs found in Elizabethan England, Eastern European folk art, Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts Movement.