My father was born in Morocco, and we visited my grandparents in Casablanca many times. Some of my earliest memories are of being captivated by the play of water and light over brightly colored Zalij fountains. Years later, returning again as a young man in art school, I felt a strong pull towards traditional designs and the mystery and contemplation of the infinite they inspire.

I began incorporating these kinds of patterns into my ceramics in 1991, and also began an in-depth exploration of geometric design. While I began by imitating the masters, everything I make now is of my own design. All of my pieces started out in pencil on paper, using techniques that have remained unchanged for over a thousand years.

I worked in terracotta for over 20 years, but began working in porcelain just a few years ago - a switch I describe as trying to play the saxophone when all you know is the piano - everything is totally different! My current work revolves around an 800 year old tiling system developed in Central Asia. I put my designs on little stamps, and impress them in the clay to create the patterns. Everything I do is extremely time consuming, and every piece runs the risk of cracking in the kiln. When they work though, I am filled with joy at having created a little jewel, and I love that people can use my pieces in their daily lives.

I opened my shop in 2013, and it was tough going at first. I had almost no sales at all. Then I asked other people on Etsy who were doing well for some tips, and I was blown away by how supportive and friendly people are here. I took the advice a few successful shop owners gave me, and my shop has become a huge success. What I love most about Etsy is the community of both buyers and sellers! I love that I can offer my work at prices that ordinary people can afford. My work is so time consuming that I make almost no money when I sell it in galleries, so Etsy provides a wonderful alternative by letting artists sell directly to the public.