Colors & Creations of Morocco

One of my most memorable artistic inspirations came from a trip to Morocco last year. In Moroccan cities like Fes, Marrakesh, and Meknes, what stood out to me the most was the way art was woven into everyday life. It was built into the architecture, the streets and markets, and even in the littlest details. Everywhere I looked I saw forms of art, a striking and stark comparison to the environment in my city, where artistic expression is much less obvious.

The intricate tilework was especially striking. Walls, fountains, courtyards, and walkways were covered in geometric patterns made from hundreds of tiles, which we learned were hand-cut. The colors were both vibrant and balanced. Deep blues, earthy reds and oranges, emerald greens, and warm neutrals all worked together to make beautiful patterns. The intricacy and precision behind the tilework left me wondering how much patience and craftsmanship must have gone into creating something so detailed by hand.

I was also drawn to the doorways in the winding, narrow city streets. Many were framed by elaborate carvings, painted wood, or patterned tiles. No one door looked the same, which made each one seem like its own piece of art. While we walked through the medinas, I realized that many of the doors had the same designs I saw in the tiles, like arches and geometric patterns, creating a sense of harmony throughout the architecture.

Visiting the mosques and historic buildings in Fes added another layer to the inspiration. The spaces felt calm and architecturally intentional, with repetitive patterns that made the details feel almost mathematical, but yet still artistic. It surprised me how much art was apart of every single building, even including the madrasas (historical school buildings.)

What has stayed with me the most from Morocco was the idea that art and craftsmanship can be apart of everyday life. The care and attention put into all the decorative details reminds me how important repetition and patterns are in creating artwork.