In the beginning
I am of 40-year-old Emirati of mixed UAE and British heritage and I live and work in Abu Dhabi. Apart from painting I love reading, movies and travelling. I also love visiting the theatre and national galleries.
I began winning prizes in the UK and UAE for my art in my late teens. It was then that I realised that my drawing skills were above average. One day I sat down and asked myself how much this means to me, and from that moment I decided to push myself every day. It has not always been easy but was worth every moment and since then I have not stopped.
Living the dream
My journey as an artist has been very exciting. I only began taking my art seriously three years ago and since then I have participated in an exhibition at the Ghaf Gallery, which was my first exhibition. This was followed by other ventures culminating in being documented as one of the Emirates Fine Artists in the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation database.
Personal influences
My personal influences are artists from the Impressionist period such as Renoir, Monet and Sisley who redefined how paintings were made by capturing a moment on the canvas and how the surroundings affected its subjects. These artists changed all preconceptions on painting standards and, at the time, struggled to make a name; now the Impressionist period is one of the most recognized and revered. For me, inspiration could also come from an idea, a scene or even an expression on a person’s face.
Artistic difference
In the UAE, there are not many artists who are realist painters; for the most part it is modern/contemporary works. Here is where I can offer something that is not seen every day. It has worked for me and against me.
Overcoming challenges
The main challenges are building a name and having galleries show your work. You have to work hard and never give up.
Life motto
My motto would be to just enjoy every day of your life.
Follow your passion
The best advice I can offer is that if you love painting and creating artwork, don’t let anyone dissuade you. Some suggestions I can offer is introducing yourself to the art community, show your work, market yourself, visit local exhibitions and don’t hide at home, otherwise no one will know you.
Books are second to art
I have been lucky with where I work. Books are my other passion so you can imagine how much of an inspiration it is to be working for the National Library.
