In Ohrid, North Macedonia, the Marinov family has been fashioning utilitarian and decorative objects out of copper and brass for one hundred years. Shawn and I happened upon the third and fourth-generation artists’ small studio one afternoon, while exploring Ohrid’s UNESCO-registered Old Town, which is replete with hundreds of Eastern Orthodox churches. The Marinov shopContinue reading “A Mask-Maker in Ohrid, North Macedonia”
Tag Archives: artisans and craftspeople
Exploring the Mysticism of Greece’s Byzantine Icons: Profiling Iconographer Dimitrios Moulas
In a two-room workshop that is dwarfed by the massive Meteora rock formations that surround it, 38 year-old Greek iconographer Dimitrios Moulas demonstrates admirable focus towards his subject — an icon that will soon represent Jesus Christ. With a delicate paintbrush in hand, he carefully draws fine facial hairs. After a few moments have passed,Continue reading “Exploring the Mysticism of Greece’s Byzantine Icons: Profiling Iconographer Dimitrios Moulas”
Apprentice for an Afternoon: Lessons with Germany’s Old World Artisans
During Oberammergau’s peak tourist seasons, visitors can easily while away an hour watching artisans demonstrate their trades on the ground floor of the beautifully frescoed Pilatushaus building. In past centuries, nomadic traders acquired crafts like these and sold them throughout Europe, making Oberammergau famous for its fine work. Today, travelers can purchase the items directlyContinue reading “Apprentice for an Afternoon: Lessons with Germany’s Old World Artisans”
Photo du Jour: A Lantern Maker in Marrakech’s Souk
A young man in Marrakech shapes metal strips that will later be used to form the skeleton of a jewel-toned Moroccan lantern. In the town’s souk (bazaar), a colorful array of these finished lanterns adorns stalls, making for a picturesque stroll by night when blocks are all aglow. Palaces and riads (traditional Moroccan townhouses) glimmer withContinue reading “Photo du Jour: A Lantern Maker in Marrakech’s Souk”
Sculpting Buddha – A Meditative Exercise in Laos
On a shady street on which we regularly strolled during our stay in Luang Prabang, Laos, we watched a sculptor as he gradually turned rustic concrete into a smooth likeness of Buddha. I wonder what the man pondered on those quiet afternoons — as he was overlooked by other Buddhist figures in progress — inContinue reading “Sculpting Buddha – A Meditative Exercise in Laos”
Learning the Fine Art of Sericulture & Weaving on a Cambodian Silk Farm
“With time and patience the mulberry leaf becomes a silk gown.” Proverb Throughout Cambodia, marketplace stalls overflow with mounds of beautiful shimmering silk. There’s everything from scarves and chic purses, to fabric designed for tailor-making shirts, dresses, and jackets. As someone who is often tempted by handcrafted accessories, I was eager to learn more aboutContinue reading “Learning the Fine Art of Sericulture & Weaving on a Cambodian Silk Farm”
A Lesson in Making Balinese Canang Sari
On a quiet and serene morning in Ubud, I was invited to learn how to make beautiful Balinese canang sari. These floral spiritual offerings adorn Bali’s temples, streets, home entrances, and any place that the Balinese people believe to be sacred. You might even spot some on trees and statues. The setting for my lesson was the rice paddy-encircled homeContinue reading “A Lesson in Making Balinese Canang Sari”
Travels With Tricia 