This class will show and explain how to draw a classical Islamic fractal geometric pattern and combine it with NeuroGraphic art.
Over the past few decades, fractal patterns have attracted much attention. By definition, a fractal is a never-ending pattern. They are created by repeating a simple process over and over again. For instance: trees, rivers, coastlines, mountains, clouds, seashells, hurricanes, etc.
While the pattern repeats itself, every object in nature which follows this pattern is unique. This will become obvious when we superimpose NG lines on our constructed composition. 
We will use an example of Islamic art to observe this phenomenon. 
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Hundreds of years ago, the Muslim artist combined Islamic religious belief and art to create a new form of art that included repetition of similar patterns and shapes. 
Islamic art is not always religious. Its aim is to portray the essence of objects rather than reproduce their physical forms. 
The art of the Islamic world reflects its values. For the Muslim, reality begins with and centers on Allah (the Supreme Creator of the Universe). So, Islamic art focuses on the spiritual representation of objects and beings, and not their physical qualities.
The Muslim artist does not attempt to replicate nature as it is, but tries to convey what it represents.  This lets the artist, and those who experience the art, get closer to the Creator of Everything. This concept is true not only in Islam, but applies to other spiritual teachings and their arts as well. (Icons, illuminated manuscripts, writing sacred texts)
A common feature of Islamic art is geometric patterns.  This use of geometry is thought to reflect the language of the Universe. 

Why is geometry thought to be spiritual? 
  • The use of circles: Circles have no end; they are infinite. (As we know about this figure from NeuroGraphica and NeuroGraphic Art)
  • The use of complex continued geometric patterns - they create the impression of infinity. 
  • The repeated pattern also shows that a single element implies the infinite total.
  • The use of patterns is also the way that Islamic art represents nature and objects by their spiritual qualities, not their physical appearance.

In this class, we are going to draw the radiant shamsa pattern that decorates the Lotfollah dome in Isfahan, Iran (Persia).
Shamsa in Islamic art is a decorated rosette or medallion which can be seen in manuscripts, carpets, ornaments, architecture, especially the underside of domes. The name means “little sun” and it’s often stylized as a sunburst. 
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque is one of the masterpieces of Iranian architecture, built at the beginning of the 17th century (1603-1619). It’s a small private mosque, without a courtyard, minarets and interior walls. It’s believed to be built for the women of the king’s harem.