Ibrahim Said
Ceramicist
Greensboro, NC, USA
Geometric echoes of Egyptian heritage
- Ibrahim discovered ceramics in his father’s workshop in Cairo
- He crafts contemporary vessels with intricate surface designs
- Egyptian pottery traditions and Islamic art inform his work
Working with white earthenware and clay, Ibrahim Said crafts ceramic vessels inspired by his Egyptian cultural heritage. “The centuries-old culture has so much to offer," he says. "My work is only just beginning to explore the deep connection I have with my country’s history." Ibrahim learned traditional Egyptian wheel throwing and carving techniques in his father’s workshop in Fustat, a Cairo neighborhood long known for commercial pottery production. Much of his work is influenced by Islamic water jugs, traditional vessels dating back over 1,000 years, on which carved patterns and calligraphy serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. Ibrahim's ceramics feature towering, curving forms that seem to defy gravity, each piece adorned with hand carved geometric patterns.
INTERVIEW
My father said, 'If you take care of the clay, the clay will take care of you.' He never pushed me to work with the material. The greatest gift he gave me was the freedom to connect with clay naturally: through play and my relationship with him.
The jugs are conceptually and formally tied to everything I make. Traditionally, a water filter inside the neck of the jug is carved with designs that were visible only to those drinking from it. In Arabic, this is called 'hidden beauty'. It serves a reminder that beauty of the soul is more important than that of the surface.
My first two solo exhibitions in Egypt allowed me to mark my name in Cairo, and opened the door to opportunities that allowed me to showcase my work internationally.
Teaching is always an important reminder of how I struggled when I was younger, trying to figure out things on the wheel. It reminds me to be patient, because I know the role that a patient teacher plays in aspiring artists' attitudes and creative growth.
Ibrahim Said
Ceramicist
Greensboro, NC, USA
ADDRESS
Address upon request, Greensboro, NC, USA
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
LANGUAGES
Arabic, English
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