Quotations from Woven By Hand: The Timeless Wisdom of Ramses Wissa Wassef - Home
Ramses Wissa Wassef was not only a visionary artist, architect, and educator but also a profound thinker whose insights into art, creativity, and society remain deeply relevant today. His book, Woven By Hand, is a treasure trove of wisdom, offering a glimpse into his philosophy and the principles that guided his life’s work. Through his words, Wissa Wassef challenges modern notions of art, education, and creativity, advocating for a return to authenticity and individuality. This article explores some of the most poignant quotations from Woven By Hand, shedding light on Wissa Wassef’s enduring legacy.
“I had this vague conviction that every human being was born an artist, but that his gift could be brought out only if artistic creation were encouraged by the practicing of a craft from early childhood.”
Wissa Wassef believed that creativity is an innate human trait, present in every individual from birth. However, he argued that this creativity must be nurtured through hands-on engagement with crafts, particularly from a young age. This belief formed the foundation of his work at the Wissa Wassef Art Centre in Harrania, where he encouraged children to explore their artistic potential through weaving and other traditional crafts. His approach demonstrated that creativity flourishes when individuals are given the freedom to express themselves without constraints.
“It would be very hard to neutralize the various influences—not just the gadgets, magazines, films, and so on, that encroach on so much of a child’s emotional life, but above all the educational system of today, which is caught up in a set of all-powerful routines and has become a cog in the mass production machine. It pushes children towards a mindless universal conformism, a monster that paralyzes judgment and sensitivity. Only a few exceptionally hardy individuals escape being damaged by it.”
Wissa Wassef was deeply critical of modern education systems, which he believed stifled creativity and individuality. He saw these systems as mechanisms of conformity, designed to produce uniformity rather than nurture unique talents. His words serve as a call to rethink how we educate children, emphasizing the need to create environments that encourage creativity, judgment, and sensitivity rather than suppress them.
“Nowadays, an artist cannot survive unless he gets his name in the papers, and he is ready to do anything to ensure this. Fame means money, and the serious artist is a victim of this sorry situation.”
Wissa Wassef lamented the commercialization of art, where success is often measured by fame and financial gain rather than artistic integrity. He believed that this trend marginalized serious artists, forcing them to compromise their values to survive in a competitive and materialistic world. His critique remains relevant today, as the art world continues to grapple with the tension between commercial success and artistic authenticity.
“An artist’s work is no longer of much use in modern society. Exhibitions in art galleries are visited by people as social events, like race meetings or cocktail parties. Basically, art is dying in the twentieth century because it has been torn asunder from daily life. It has become part of the trade in rare, expensive luxuries, or else it is cast aside. It undergoes all the day-to-day caprices of fashion and gains attention by being provocative or sensational, or even by making use of drugs. And then the works that have won fame, or notoriety, are put into museums to be admired.”
Wissa Wassef observed that art had become disconnected from everyday life, reduced to a luxury commodity or a tool for provocation. He argued that this disconnect had led to the decline of art’s relevance and impact. His words challenge us to reconsider the role of art in society and to strive for a deeper connection between artistic expression and the human experience.
“The word handcraft has taken on a pejorative sense and is almost considered the opposite of art. The craftsman is capable only of copying, or if he tries really hard to show his skill, he overdoes it, over-elaborates, and imitates.”
Wissa Wassef rejected the notion that craftsmanship is inferior to fine art. He believed that true craftsmanship is a form of artistic expression, rooted in skill, tradition, and individuality. His work at the Wissa Wassef Art Centre demonstrated that craftsmanship, when practiced with creativity and authenticity, can produce works of profound beauty and cultural significance.
“Modern society more than ever is concerned with population in mass and gives no attention at all to these individual potentialities. Children are classified according to several well-determined tests of abilities and then directed in groups towards different forms of planned activities.”
Wissa Wassef criticized modern society’s focus on mass production and standardization, which he believed overlooked the unique potential of each individual. He advocated for an approach that values and nurtures individual talents, allowing people to develop their creativity and express themselves authentically.
“Art is a language of communication, of universal value. A work of art is similar to an address. It happened that we were, for these children, persons to whom they addressed themselves, through the medium of their work, and we have been able to capture their expression and intention. This role was neither forced nor exclusive but played with affection and comprehension.”
Wissa Wassef saw art as a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. He believed that art allows individuals to communicate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a way that words cannot. His work with the children at the Wissa Wassef Art Centre exemplified this belief, as he created a space where they could express themselves freely and authentically.
“Modern society only promotes impersonal and interchangeable talent, which conforms to a certain set of norms. In spite of all this, sometimes, the profound accent of creative artists bursts out. But unfortunately, the world usually stays numb for a long time.”
Wissa Wassef recognized the challenges faced by creative artists in a society that often values conformity over individuality. He acknowledged that true creativity can be stifled by societal norms but also expressed hope that the profound voice of the artist will eventually break through. His words remind us of the importance of supporting and celebrating creative individuals who challenge the status quo.
The quotations from Woven By Hand reveal Ramses Wissa Wassef’s deep understanding of art, creativity, and the human condition. His insights challenge us to rethink our approach to education, art, and society, emphasizing the importance of individuality, authenticity, and the nurturing of creativity. Through his words and his work, Wissa Wassef leaves behind a legacy that continues to inspire and guide us, reminding us that true artistry stems from the heart and that creativity is a universal gift to be cherished and cultivated.
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