I went to Morocco.
Before leaving, I of course researched all things Moroccan art, and ran across a potter from Safi named Serghini. He is a master potter whose amazing work is displayed at the British Museum and celebrated around the world. His family heritage spans the Moroccan pottery divide between the two competitive pottery centers of Fez and Safi. He is the seventh generation pottery master from his family. I requested that the tour stop at this small village on the Atlantic on our way to Casablanca so that I could search for his work. In the end I didn’t find his work but found HIM!
I was star struck.
It didn’t dawn on me that he would be there. I casually mentioned his name to our guide and he said, “come.” I quickly followed him down the village hill and into a shop where he ran through to the back, with me trying desperately to keep up, and he simply said “this is him!” Despite our language barriers I did find out that he had travelled to Montreal for a show. I invited him to visit Toronto. We can hope. To my great disappointment he had no personal work in the shop to share; all of the work was done by his studio apprentices.
I invite you to view this video featuring the Master and Safi.
Morocco has a rich craft tradition in multiple disciplines. I hope you to enjoy the following photographs that show a small sampling of craftsmanship in the country including: metalwork, basketry, rubber, and textiles.
Note: I bought back pure pigments made from poppy, mint, seashells, indigo, and cobalt. Out of my mind excited to start using them!
