The Art of the Arabic Language — workshops
Floral Workshop
***No prior knowledge of Arabic or Farsi is required to take this workshop.
Experience the ancient art of Arabic Calligraphy and its healing qualities.
Each calligraphic session begins with somatic breathwork* and meditation. You will then be led through exercises that will teach you the technical foundations of Arabic calligraphy while also allowing you to explore the artistic qualities of the craft. This workshop offers a feminine approach to a predominantly masculine medium, so we will be learning the basics of a traditional art form in a non-traditional manner. We'll end with a reading of poetry from the MENA region and instructions for long-term practice for anyone wishing to continue!
*Somatic meditation engages the body in a word-less form of healing and spiritual transcendence. It involves breath work, music, and gentle guiding questions that initiates an interior journey through the body. Somatic breathing gifts you the presence of the self, a chance to intimately observe the state of the body without judgement and without the desire to alter or amend it. Overtime, somatic work lends itself to massive shifts and changes, but that is not the intention with which it is approached and practiced. The primary intention is always to offer presence to the self, to listen, to observe, and to rest in the body as it is, not as it should be.
Read more about the workshops:
My meditative calligraphy workshops began a few years ago in Samos, Greece, where I worked closely with refugees of all ages and nationalities in small and large sessions as a way of addressing (and beginning to heal) the trauma within in an un-intrusive and gentle manner. What distinguishes this calligraphy workshop is that it is led with a meditative & healing approach. It focuses on the artistic qualities of the practice of calligraphy over the technicalities of it, and it offers a feminine approach to a predominantly masculine medium. It is one of the most beautiful ways to introduce people to the culture and art of a region which is often quite unfairly and inaccurately represented in the media. This class, while focusing on calligraphy, will also introduce students to music, art, and literature from the region. This is an all encompassing workshop which focuses on the interior state of the participating student, while teaching a new craft, and learning more about the MENA region.
What makes calligraphy a healing art?
Through this medium, we learn to understand and speak the language of our hands. Calligraphy demands a very particular form of engagement, and much of our emotions are released through our hands. In each workshop, I work closely with each artist, drawing attention to their hands and their manner of moving and holding the calligraphic pen. We also work with natural material (reed) imported from the Middle East and grown by the river, which lends itself to the slow healing process that unfolds in calligraphy. Both I and the students I have worked with have used calligraphy to work through very difficult periods of our lives, and I believe some may find this class particularly helpful if they are passing through a challenging time.
NYC - People's Forum Workshop
https://peoplesforum.org/events/arabic-calligraphy-workshop-with-aiyah-sibay/
Ghorbeh — “Far from the Homeland”
Calligraphy Workshop & Sunset Gathering
Featuring Oud Musician, Alaa Abdulbaki
A workshop and musical evening dedicated to the local immigrant and second-generation immigrant community
Join us for an evening of Arabic calligraphy, meditation, and community by the Potomac River followed by a musical performance and open mic led by Alaa. The event will include:
A guided somatic* meditation: Restoring connection and intimacy with our ancestral lineage, wisdom, and way of life.
The Arabic** calligraphy workshop, using the traditional tools of the craft. (Light refreshments; no prior knowledge of Arabic is required to take this workshop).
A free music and open mic event: Music, poetry, meditation, Arabic coffee, and storytelling [click here if interested in performing]
**Calligraphy Workshop Full**
All workshop attendees are invited to stay for the sunset gathering.
*Somatic meditation engages the body in a word-less form of healing and spiritual transcendence. It involves breath work, music, and gentle guiding questions that initiates an interior journey through the body. Somatic breathing gifts you the presence of the self, a chance to intimately observe the state of the body without judgement and without the desire to alter or amend it. Overtime, somatic work lends itself to massive shifts and changes, but that is not the intention with which it is approached and practiced. The primary intention is always to offer presence to the self, to listen, to observe, and to rest in the body as it is, not as it should be.
Read about the workshop:
My meditative calligraphy workshops began a few years ago in Samos, Greece, where I worked closely with refugees of all ages and nationalities in small and large sessions as a way of addressing (and beginning to heal) the trauma within in an un-intrusive and gentle manner. What distinguishes this calligraphy workshop is that it is led with a meditative & healing approach. It focuses on the artistic qualities of the practice of calligraphy over the technicalities of it, and it offers a feminine approach to a predominantly masculine medium. It is one of the most beautiful ways to introduce people to the culture and art of a region which is often quite unfairly and inaccurately represented in the media. This class, while focusing on calligraphy, will also introduce students to music, art, and literature from the region. This is an all encompassing workshop which focuses on the interior state of the participating student, while teaching a new craft, and learning more about the MENA region.
How does it work?
By learning to understand and speak the language of the hands. Calligraphy demands a very particular form of engagement. Because so much of our emotions is released through our hands, I am often very attuned to the emotions of the participant based on how they hold the reed pen and how they move it across the page. In previous workshops, I would take these observations and work closely with artists in helping them become more aware of their current mindset by simply drawing attention to the motion and position of their hands. In addition, I often begin each session in silence and meditation, giving each participant the time to make that necessary transition. Both I and the students I have worked with have used calligraphy to work through very difficult periods of our lives, and I believe some may find this class particularly helpful if they are passing through a challenging time.
Calligraphy by Candlelight [fundraiser]
***No prior knowledge of Arabic or Farsi is required to take this workshop.
New Approach: This calligraphy workshop will begin with the meditative practices of Audre Lorde’s “Uses of the Erotic” & Eugene Gendlin’s “Focusing” method.
Uses of the Erotic: This method works to reframe the primary source of shame for many women: the erotic. Lorde hands you the original meaning of the erotic, that is, as a source of power, information, and courage.
“The word erotic comes from the Greek word eros, the personification of love in all its aspects — born of Chaos, and personifying creative power and harmony. When I speak of the erotic, then I speak of it as an assertion of the life-force of women; of that creative energy empowered…The erotic is not a question of what we do; it is a question of how acutely and fully we can feel in the doing. Once we know the extent to which we are capable of feeling that sense of satisfaction and completion, we can then observe which of our various life endeavors bring us closest to that fullness.
The Focusing Method: This method engages in conversation with the body, one that bares the potential to change the course of your life if done often and thoroughly. It encompasses two primary techniques: (1) contact with the felt sense(2) a shift or change of that sense when approached in the right way.
Based on research conducted at the University of Chicago, it is an alternative method of self therapy that consists of steps of self change.
“This is not the familiar “getting in touch with your feelings.” Nor is it the content free quiet of meditation. The internal equipment needed to perform the act is in every human being, but in most people it is unused. Each focusing step, when done correctly, is marked by a physical relief, a profound release of tension. Focusing guides you to the deepest level of awareness within your body. It is on this level, unfamiliar to most people, that unresolved problems actually exist, and only on this level can they change.”
Read more about the workshop:
My meditative calligraphy workshops began a few years ago in Samos, Greece, where I worked closely with refugees of all ages and nationalities in small and large sessions as a way of addressing (and beginning to heal) the trauma within in an un-intrusive and gentle manner. What distinguishes this calligraphy workshop is that it is led with a meditative & healing approach. It focuses on the artistic qualities of the practice of calligraphy over the technicalities of it, and it offers a feminine approach to a predominantly masculine medium. It is one of the most beautiful ways to introduce people to the culture and art of a region which is often quite unfairly and inaccurately represented in the media. This class, while focusing on calligraphy, will also introduce students to music, art, and literature from the region. This is an all encompassing workshop which focuses on the interior state of the participating student, while teaching a new craft, and learning more about the MENA region.
How does it work?
By learning to understand and speak the language of the hands. Calligraphy demands a very particular form of engagement. Because so much of our emotions is released through our hands, I am often very attuned to the emotions of the participant based on how they hold the reed pen and how they move it across the page. In previous workshops, I would take these observations and work closely with artists in helping them become more aware of their current mindset by simply drawing attention to their hands. In addition, I often begin each session in silence and meditation, giving each participant the time to make that necessary transition. Both I and the students I have worked with have used calligraphy to work through very difficult periods of our lives, and I believe some may find this class particularly helpful if they are passing through a challenging time.
NYC Calligraphy Workshop
***No prior knowledge of Arabic or Farsi is required to take this workshop.
New Approach: This calligraphy workshop will begin with the meditative practices of Audre Lorde’s “Uses of the Erotic” & Eugene Gendlin’s “Focusing” method.
Uses of the Erotic: This method works to reframe the primary source of shame for many women: the erotic. Lorde hands you the original meaning of the erotic, that is, as a source of power, information, and courage.
“The word erotic comes from the Greek word eros, the personification of love in all its aspects — born of Chaos, and personifying creative power and harmony. When I speak of the erotic, then I speak of it as an assertion of the life-force of women; of that creative energy empowered…The erotic is not a question of what we do; it is a question of how acutely and fully we can feel in the doing. Once we know the extent to which we are capable of feeling that sense of satisfaction and completion, we can then observe which of our various life endeavors bring us closest to that fullness.
The Focusing Method: This method engages in conversation with the body, one that bares the potential to change the course of your life if done often and thoroughly. It encompasses two primary techniques: (1) contact with the felt sense(2) a shift or change of that sense when approached in the right way.
Based on research conducted at the University of Chicago, it is an alternative method of self therapy that consists of steps of self change.
“This is not the familiar “getting in touch with your feelings.” Nor is it the content free quiet of meditation. The internal equipment needed to perform the act is in every human being, but in most people it is unused. Each focusing step, when done correctly, is marked by a physical relief, a profound release of tension. Focusing guides you to the deepest level of awareness within your body. It is on this level, unfamiliar to most people, that unresolved problems actually exist, and only on this level can they change.”
Read more about the workshop:
My meditative calligraphy workshops began a few years ago in Samos, Greece, where I worked closely with refugees of all ages and nationalities in small and large sessions as a way of addressing (and beginning to heal) the trauma within in an un-intrusive and gentle manner. What distinguishes this calligraphy workshop is that it is led with a meditative & healing approach. It focuses on the artistic qualities of the practice of calligraphy over the technicalities of it, and it offers a feminine approach to a predominantly masculine medium. It is one of the most beautiful ways to introduce people to the culture and art of a region which is often quite unfairly and inaccurately represented in the media. This class, while focusing on calligraphy, will also introduce students to music, art, and literature from the region. This is an all encompassing workshop which focuses on the interior state of the participating student, while teaching a new craft, and learning more about the MENA region.
How does it work?
By learning to understand and speak the language of the hands. Calligraphy demands a very particular form of engagement. Because so much of our emotions is released through our hands, I am often very attuned to the emotions of the participant based on how they hold the reed pen and how they move it across the page. In previous workshops, I would take these observations and work closely with artists in helping them become more aware of their current mindset by simply drawing attention to their hands. In addition, I often begin each session in silence and meditation, giving each participant the time to make that necessary transition. Both I and the students I have worked with have used calligraphy to work through very difficult periods of our lives, and I believe some may find this class particularly helpful if they are passing through a challenging time.
Spring Calligraphy Workshop
***No prior knowledge of Arabic or Farsi is required to take this workshop.
New Approach: This calligraphy workshop will begin with the meditative practices of Audre Lorde’s “Uses of the Erotic” & Eugene Gendlin’s “Focusing” method.
Uses of the Erotic: This method works to reframe the primary source of shame for many women: the erotic. Lorde hands you the original meaning of the erotic, that is, as a source of power, information, and courage.
“The word erotic comes from the Greek word eros, the personification of love in all its aspects — born of Chaos, and personifying creative power and harmony. When I speak of the erotic, then I speak of it as an assertion of the life-force of women; of that creative energy empowered…The erotic is not a question of what we do; it is a question of how acutely and fully we can feel in the doing. Once we know the extent to which we are capable of feeling that sense of satisfaction and completion, we can then observe which of our various life endeavors bring us closest to that fullness.
The Focusing Method: This method engages in conversation with the body, one that bares the potential to change the course of your life if done often and thoroughly. It encompasses two primary techniques: (1) contact with the felt sense(2) a shift or change of that sense when approached in the right way.
Based on research conducted at the University of Chicago, it is an alternative method of self therapy that consists of steps of self change.
“This is not the familiar “getting in touch with your feelings.” Nor is it the content free quiet of meditation. The internal equipment needed to perform the act is in every human being, but in most people it is unused. Each focusing step, when done correctly, is marked by a physical relief, a profound release of tension. Focusing guides you to the deepest level of awareness within your body. It is on this level, unfamiliar to most people, that unresolved problems actually exist, and only on this level can they change.”
Read more about the workshop:
My meditative calligraphy workshops began a few years ago in Samos, Greece, where I worked closely with refugees of all ages and nationalities in small and large sessions as a way of addressing (and beginning to heal) the trauma within in an un-intrusive and gentle manner. What distinguishes this calligraphy workshop is that it is led with a meditative & healing approach. It focuses on the artistic qualities of the practice of calligraphy over the technicalities of it, and it offers a feminine approach to a predominantly masculine medium. It is one of the most beautiful ways to introduce people to the culture and art of a region which is often quite unfairly and inaccurately represented in the media. This class, while focusing on calligraphy, will also introduce students to music, art, and literature from the region. This is an all encompassing workshop which focuses on the interior state of the participating student, while teaching a new craft, and learning more about the MENA region.
How does it work?
By learning to understand and speak the language of the hands. Calligraphy demands a very particular form of engagement. Because so much of our emotions is released through our hands, I am often very attuned to the emotions of the participant based on how they hold the reed pen and how they move it across the page. In previous workshops, I would take these observations and work closely with artists in helping them become more aware of their current mindset by simply drawing attention to their hands. In addition, I often begin each session in silence and meditation, giving each participant the time to make that necessary transition. Both I and the students I have worked with have used calligraphy to work through very difficult periods of our lives, and I believe some may find this class particularly helpful if they are passing through a challenging time.
NYC Workshop (address will be sent individually to participants)
***No prior knowledge of Arabic or Farsi is required to take this workshop.
My meditative calligraphy workshops began a few years ago in Samos, Greece, where I worked closely with refugees of all ages and nationalities in small and large sessions as a way of addressing (and beginning to heal) the trauma within in an un-intrusive and gentle manner. What distinguishes this calligraphy workshop is that it is led with a meditative & healing approach. It focuses on the artistic qualities of the practice of calligraphy over the technicalities of it, and it offers a feminine approach to a predominantly masculine medium. It is one of the most beautiful ways to introduce people to the culture and art of a region which is often quite unfairly and inaccurately represented in the media. This class, while focusing on calligraphy, will also introduce students to music, art, and literature from the region. This is an all encompassing workshop which focuses on the interior state of the participating student, while teaching a new craft, and learning more about the MENA region.
How does it work?
By learning to understand and speak the language of the hands. Calligraphy demands a very particular form of engagement. Because so much of our emotions is released through our hands, I am often very attuned to the emotions of the participant based on how they hold the reed pen and how they move it across the page. In previous workshops, I would take these observations and work closely with artists in helping them become more aware of their current mindset by simply drawing attention to their hands. In addition, I often begin each session in silence and meditation, giving each participant the time to make that necessary transition. Both I and the students I have worked with have used calligraphy to work through very difficult periods of our lives, and I believe some may find this class particularly helpful if they are passing through a challenging time.
Calligraphy Workshop VIII. [cancelled]
Option 1: Option 1: Sign up for unlimited calligraphy workshops (11/16-12/10) — [$100, or pay what you can]
Option 2: Sign up for one calligraphy workshop — [$25, or pay what you can]
***No prior knowledge of Arabic or Farsi is required to take this workshop.
My meditative calligraphy workshops began a few years ago in Samos, Greece, where I worked closely with refugees of all ages and nationalities in small and large sessions as a way of addressing (and beginning to heal) the trauma within in an un-intrusive and gentle manner. What distinguishes this calligraphy workshop is that it is led with a meditative & healing approach. It focuses on the artistic qualities of the practice of calligraphy over the technicalities of it, and it offers a feminine approach to a predominantly masculine medium. It is one of the most beautiful ways to introduce people to the culture and art of a region which is often quite unfairly and inaccurately represented in the media. This class, while focusing on calligraphy, will also introduce students to music, art, and literature from the region. This is an all encompassing workshop which focuses on the interior state of the participating student, while teaching a new craft, and learning more about the MENA region.
How does it work?
By learning to understand and speak the language of the hands. Calligraphy demands a very particular form of engagement. Because so much of our emotions is released through our hands, I am often very attuned to the emotions of the participant based on how they hold the reed pen and how they move it across the page. In previous workshops, I would take these observations and work closely with artists in helping them become more aware of their current mindset by simply drawing attention to their hands. In addition, I often begin each session in silence and meditation, giving each participant the time to make that necessary transition. Both I and the students I have worked with have used calligraphy to work through very difficult periods of our lives, and I believe some may find this class particularly helpful if they are passing through a challenging time.
Calligraphy Workshop VII.
Option 1: Option 1: Sign up for unlimited calligraphy workshops (11/16-12/10) — [$50, or pay what you can]
Option 2: Sign up for one calligraphy workshop — [$25, or pay what you can]
***No prior knowledge of Arabic or Farsi is required to take this workshop.
My meditative calligraphy workshops began a few years ago in Samos, Greece, where I worked closely with refugees of all ages and nationalities in small and large sessions as a way of addressing (and beginning to heal) the trauma within in an un-intrusive and gentle manner. What distinguishes this calligraphy workshop is that it is led with a meditative & healing approach. It focuses on the artistic qualities of the practice of calligraphy over the technicalities of it, and it offers a feminine approach to a predominantly masculine medium. It is one of the most beautiful ways to introduce people to the culture and art of a region which is often quite unfairly and inaccurately represented in the media. This class, while focusing on calligraphy, will also introduce students to music, art, and literature from the region. This is an all encompassing workshop which focuses on the interior state of the participating student, while teaching a new craft, and learning more about the MENA region.
How does it work?
By learning to understand and speak the language of the hands. Calligraphy demands a very particular form of engagement. Because so much of our emotions is released through our hands, I am often very attuned to the emotions of the participant based on how they hold the reed pen and how they move it across the page. In previous workshops, I would take these observations and work closely with artists in helping them become more aware of their current mindset by simply drawing attention to their hands. In addition, I often begin each session in silence and meditation, giving each participant the time to make that necessary transition. Both I and the students I have worked with have used calligraphy to work through very difficult periods of our lives, and I believe some may find this class particularly helpful if they are passing through a challenging time.
Calligraphy Workshop V (silent) — edited to: “Painting Calligraphy”
Option 1: Sign up for unlimited calligraphy workshops (11/16-12/10) — [$100, or pay what you can]
Option 2: Sign up for one calligraphy workshop — [$25, or pay what you can]
***No prior knowledge of Arabic or Farsi is required to take this workshop.
My meditative calligraphy workshops began a few years ago in Samos, Greece, where I worked closely with refugees of all ages and nationalities in small and large sessions as a way of addressing (and beginning to heal) the trauma within in an un-intrusive and gentle manner. What distinguishes this calligraphy workshop is that it is led with a meditative & healing approach. It focuses on the artistic qualities of the practice of calligraphy over the technicalities of it, and it offers a feminine approach to a predominantly masculine medium. It is one of the most beautiful ways to introduce people to the culture and art of a region which is often quite unfairly and inaccurately represented in the media. This class, while focusing on calligraphy, will also introduce students to music, art, and literature from the region. This is an all encompassing workshop which focuses on the interior state of the participating student, while teaching a new craft, and learning more about the MENA region.
How does it work?
By learning to understand and speak the language of the hands. Calligraphy demands a very particular form of engagement. Because so much of our emotions is released through our hands, I am often very attuned to the emotions of the participant based on how they hold the reed pen and how they move it across the page. In previous workshops, I would take these observations and work closely with artists in helping them become more aware of their current mindset by simply drawing attention to their hands. In addition, I often begin each session in silence and meditation, giving each participant the time to make that necessary transition. Both I and the students I have worked with have used calligraphy to work through very difficult periods of our lives, and I believe some may find this class particularly helpful if they are passing through a challenging time.
Calligraphy Workshop II
No prior knowledge of Arabic or Farsi is required to take this workshop.
My meditative calligraphy workshops began a few years ago in Samos, Greece, where I worked closely with refugees of all ages and nationalities in small and large sessions as a way of addressing (and beginning to heal) the trauma within in an un-intrusive and gentle manner. What distinguishes this calligraphy workshop is that it is led with a meditative & healing approach. It focuses on the artistic qualities of the practice of calligraphy over the technicalities of it, and it offers a feminine approach to a predominantly masculine medium. It is one of the most beautiful ways to introduce people to the culture and art of a region which is often quite unfairly and inaccurately represented in the media. This class, while focusing on calligraphy, will also introduce students to music, art, and literature from the region. This is an all encompassing workshop which focuses on the interior state of the participating student, while teaching a new craft, and learning more about the MENA region.
How does it work?
By learning to understand and speak the language of the hands. Calligraphy demands a very particular form of engagement. Because so much of our emotions is released through our hands, I am often very attuned to the emotions of the participant based on how they hold the reed pen and how they move it across the page. In previous workshops, I would take these observations and work closely with artists in helping them become more aware of their current mindset by simply drawing attention to their hands. In addition, I often begin each session in silence and meditation, giving each participant the time to make that necessary transition. Both I and the students I have worked with have used calligraphy to work through very difficult periods of our lives, and I believe some may find this class particularly helpful if they are passing through a challenging time.
Meditative Calligraphy Workshop
No prior knowledge of Arabic or Farsi is required to take this workshop.
My meditative calligraphy workshops began a few years ago in Samos, Greece, where I worked closely with refugees of all ages and nationalities in small and large sessions as a way of addressing (and beginning to heal) the trauma within in an un-intrusive and gentle manner. What distinguishes this calligraphy workshop is that it is led with a meditative & healing approach. It focuses on the artistic qualities of the practice of calligraphy over the technicalities of it, and it offers a feminine approach to a predominantly masculine medium. It is one of the most beautiful ways to introduce people to the culture and art of a region which is often quite unfairly and inaccurately represented in the media. This class, while focusing on calligraphy, will also introduce students to music, art, and literature from the region. This is an all encompassing workshop which focuses on the interior state of the participating student, while teaching a new craft, and learning more about the MENA region.
How does it work?
By learning to understand and speak the language of the hands. Calligraphy demands a very particular form of engagement. Because so much of our emotions is released through our hands, I am often very attuned to the emotions of the participant based on how they hold the reed pen and how they move it across the page. In previous workshops, I would take these observations and work closely with artists in helping them become more aware of their current mindset by simply drawing attention to their hands. In addition, I often begin each session in silence and meditation, giving each participant the time to make that necessary transition. Both I and the students I have worked with have used calligraphy to work through very difficult periods of our lives, and I believe some may find this class particularly helpful if they are passing through a challenging time.