Many of Lama Younes’s friends know the 23 year old Syrian as an English literature graduate, who is currently studying business administration. But the other side of Lama is her wild and artistic side; which explodes with paintings, doodles and graffiti….
Tempo: How do you express yourself artistically?
Through my work. I attempt to feed my curiosity of ideas, objects forms, philosophy, facts and fantasy. I try to create a link between old and new. I use my doodling as a form of organizing my thoughts. Through mixed media art I try to link the past, present and future. I draw on familiar imagery, dreams and imagination.
Tempo: and your inspiration comes from…?
Spending time in my head is important. From when I was 12 I’d tune out my surroundings and just spend time in my own thoughts. I still do that. I’m often scribbling down fragments that later act like trigger-points for artwork. I’m very fidgety and I seem to work best when my hands and head are occupied, so I always doodle. I seek inspiration in anything around me: books, music, art, people…I especially relate to Salvador Dali’s artwork ‘The First Days of Spring’ because it’s intense.
Tempo: any challenges faced?
The starving artist is one of the oldest clichés for good reason. For me, the image of the tortured artist is a myth – you don’t need to be miserable to create art. Your creativity is like a tap: if you don’t use it, it gets clogged up. Even if you have talent, technical training, time, and tenacity, it’s quite possible that you’ll never really earn a living from your work. A visual artist finds success in this field, as in all the arts, not through artistic talent alone but through the ability to network and market oneself.
Tempo: Your future plans?
I have many plans that are on the right side of my brain. However, none of them are practical…yet! (she smiles impishly). Time gives us a glimpse to the future. In the short run I hope to graduate so I can have more time to explore different art mediums.
Tempo: Any final thoughts?
I believe that training brings an artist freedom. When you learn the fundamentals of your craft, you are limited only by your imagination. Without technical training, you’re stabbing in the dark. Sure, you might create one or two truly great works of art, but they’ll be unrepeatable accidents. You can create anything your mind dreams up only if you know how. Also, persistence is the most critical factor in any success.
www.facebook.com/LamzArt
Lama_youness@hotmail.com
QUICKIES:
Oil or acrylic?
Acrylic
Car or canvas?
Canvas
Funky or abstract?
Abstract
Art Exhibitions or Fashion Shows?
Hmmm…
Partying out or dinner at home?
Dinner at home
By Ajir Shujahi
