Shela Qamar needs no introduction when it comes to art; she has been painting and doing Islamic calligraphy for many years now right here in the Washington D.C. area. She specializes in Islamic calligraphy and modern abstract art. Here is our exclusive interview with the artist…

PIC

How would you introduce yourself to our readers?

I find art as a creative way of communicating with my audiences through my paintings. When I am painting my goal is to create unique and vibrant pieces of art work that everyone can enjoy and use to further enhance their environment. The colors in our environment inspire me to interpret my cultural perspective into meaningful pieces of art work. I usually start with very subtle ideas of how I want my paintings to be but at the same time I let the colors, space and lines dictate the end result as I try to make it interesting for myself and others. My focus is usually to maintain some sort of balance and rhythm in my paintings through the use of different colors, textures, materials and lines. At the end I feel very excited with whatever I have created, as it gives me energy and motivation to continue with my expression of life through my paintings.

Tell us a little bit about where you got your art training, did you go to school in Pakistan or here in the U.S?

I went to school and college in Karachi, Pakistan. I did my Masters from George Mason University. I always had interest in art and interior designing. I got my initial art training in Karachi. Since I had interest, my parents always encouraged me to take art classes during my summer breaks. While I was in college I also did art internship for a couple of years with the late Ali Imam of Indus Gallery, a very well known Pakistani artist. After emigrating from Pakistan I also took some art classes offered by the Corcoran School of Art.

What mediums do you prefer to work with and why?

In the past I have done paintings in charcoal, oil and watercolor, although at present I am primarily working with a combination of hand made papers and acrylic paint. I find it very interesting using different materials in my paintings as it gives me more freedom to explore and create unique pieces of art work. I find combining different mediums very interesting and it also gives me an opportunity to experiment in different color schemes, etc.

You also do Islamic calligraphy; tell us a little bit about that. Where do you get your painting inspirations from?

Islamic art has always been fascinating to me especially the beautiful calligraphy and the amazing Islamic architecture. Therefore I decided to incorporate it in my paintings. I find creating artwork as a form of meditation and incorporating some Islamic calligraphy and architecture in a way gives me more inspiration to promote Islamic verses and culture to my diversified audience.

You are involved in a lot of charity work as well, you have donated your art to several charities, please tell us about that.

I think it is very important to be part of non-profit organizations and be able to contribute positively towards our community development, especially in Pakistan. Over the past 2 years, I have participated in several charity fundraising events organized by some non-profit organizations. The events were very well attended by 300 to 400 people and my paintings were auctioned for up to $1200. It also provided me with an opportunity to reach out to our community members and inspire them to donate too. Some of the charity events that I have participated in are Friends of Pakistan, SOS Children’s Villages, Imran Khan’s Cancer Appeal Fundraiser and DIL - Development in Literacy Fund.

How many exhibitions have you had for your work? Do you plan to have any exhibitions in the near future?

I have had about eight exhibitions which include some selected and juried exhibitions. I have an exhibition coming up soon from April 1 to April 30, 2008. The exhibition will be the 9th Muslim Women in Arts exhibition at the Montgomery County Executive Building in Rockville, MD. In addition I am planning for some more in the near future in affiliation with other art organizations I am a member of in the Virginia area. Hopefully I will also Insha Allah, have a solo exhibition.

What kind of response do you get from these exhibitions? Do you also sell your work at these exhibitions?

The response from participating in the various exhibitions has been great and very encouraging for me to continue my artwork. It has given me opportunity to introduce my artwork to my audience in different settings. Sometime I also sell through the exhibitions or clients commission me to do some artwork for them on an individual basis. This often happens after a fundraising event when a larger audience may see my paintings and find that they like them.

On average, how long does it take to make a typical abstract painting?

Usually it takes me at the most maybe around a week or so depending on the size and the theme of the art piece. I start with a few subtle ideas and progress accordingly to the colors, mediums that flow on how I eventually want the painting to be when finished. Sometimes I may be able to do more in a few days, so it all depends what I am trying to achieve in a painting. I continue working on it until I am completely satisfied with the result.

What words of encouragement would you give to the young budding artists who would like to follow your footsteps?


I think art is a great way to express your feeling or ideas and I would encourage young budding artists to pursue it as they would do other things in life and when ever they have time to participate in different art events to stay motivated to create artwork for personal satisfaction and development. It is very fulfilling and a great way to express yourself.

Lastly, what message would you like to give to the readers of The Saturday Post?

Please visit my website at www.shelaqamerart.com and I will be happy to hear some feedback and share my paintings with you. Enjoy my artwork!