Artist of the Month: Samantha Mathew

 

Samantha Mathew is a talented architect, based in the US, who rekindled her passion for art while decorating her home. She is a self- taught artist and she was born with creativity in her blood. Her paintings have a story to tell and reflect her interest in nature, landscape and everything vintage. I found her work aesthetic and appealing to look at. Her work draws your attention to the beautiful details and the gorgeous calming colours she uses. She sees the beauty of little details and adds to her work that exudes joy with a magical touch.  

Have a look at her beautiful paintings and let’s hear more from Samantha herself who talks about her journey and her inspiration

Be Still

Radiance

Come & Dine With Me

Bright & Beautiful

Blooms of Hope

I'll be with you always

Dressed in Bloom

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m Samantha, an architect by training and I live in Austin with my amazing husband, Jeff and two precious girls who are now 4 and almost 2. I’ve lived most of my life in Oman and some in India (I’m originally from Kerala) and been in the US since 2013.

How did your journey as an artist begin? Did you have any formal training or is it self-taught?

I’ve always loved to sketch, paint and dabble in anything creative and am extremely passionate about design! I did not have any formal training as an artist, except for the standard art class in school. But those classes laid the foundation and taught me the basics in various sketching and painting techniques.  I used to also hold onto picture books with pretty illustrations in it, and would try and paint them when I had the time. I realised early on that God had blessed me with a creative gene as I received plenty of affirmation from my art teachers, friends and family. My art teacher was highly invested in anything I produced, displaying them in his room, around the school and at art exhibitions. But I only ever thought of art as a hobby. I went to architecture school, pursued my goals of becoming a licensed architect and hardly picked up a paint brush for anything unrelated to school or work for the next 10 years.

When Jeff and I moved into our first apartment, I was very excited to do some decorating and make it feel more like home. I started looking for some meaningful art for our stark lifeless walls. Not finding what we wanted in our budget, I decided to paint a few myself. And THAT rekindled the old lost passion once again! I did a couple for our own home, and then happily jumped at opportunities to do a few more for family and friends. They were positively thrilled. 

As the 2020 pandemic began, I chose to take a break from work to be fully available to my little ones. Though I've been blessed to have this opportunity to spend so much time with them, I began to feel drained and was in desperate need of a creative outlet - something to occupy myself with on a flexible schedule - and I found therapy behind the easel again. If I’m not painting, I’m either organizing or designing spaces.

 

How would you describe your art style?

This is a hard one. Honestly, I’m not very good at identifying different art styles but I do know that I am naturally more drawn to painting landscapes and objects in a realistic way toning down the colors to a soft, earthy palette. I love the rich character of vintage art and sometimes like to dye my paper or canvas to recreate that look, before I paint on it.

 

What's your inspiration for your art work?

Painting is therapeutic to my soul and draws me closer to God, the Creator of all things beautiful. I draw a lot of inspiration from nature- from tiny delicate flowers to a beautiful cloudy sky. I love being able to study and capture on paper in my imperfect way, glimpses of His perfect creation.  I also have a thing for old buildings, interesting doorways, arches, stone masonry, cobblestone streets and anything covered in blooms! I work primarily with acrylics, watercolours and charcoal, experimenting with light, shadow, fluidity and texture as I go.

 

What is the most challenging aspect about your work?

Since I get to take out my brushes only when the kids are asleep, I get just a few hours in a day to paint and I try to make the most of it. Acrylics dry very quickly, so I’m always trying new ways to keep them wet longer, so I don’t waste too much paint between painting sessions.

Making time to pursue creativity amidst the demands of motherhood gets challenging at times, but I just take it one day at a time.

 

What is your creative process like? and what keeps you motivated?

My head is always brimming with ideas for future paintings and collections and so I write these ideas down whenever I have an inspiring moment.  I usually listen to my favourite podcasts, music, or an audio bible and it keeps me focused, relaxed and inspired as I work. I am most productive and motivated in the early morning hours, when the whole house is sleeping and it’s just me and my canvas.

 

Do you commission different projects? And how can people purchase your paintings?

Yes  I do! I’m currently taking one commission a month and you can either DM me on Instagram @samanthamathew.studio or contact me at samanthamathewstudio@gmail.com about it and I will be happy to bring your vision to life! As of now, I only ship to places within the US. 

I also sell my work on www.etsy.com/shop/SamanthaMathewStudio or do occasional sales on Instagram itself.

 

What is your favourite art piece that you have done till date?

Ah, another tough one! But if I had to pick, I would say that the “Come and Dine with Me” painting hanging in our living room is my favourite. It was the first painting I did, after 15 years and the first time I tried working with acrylics. 

I just love this scene of the risen Christ, appearing to His weary disciples who were out the entire night fishing, with no luck whatsoever and inviting them to a breakfast that He'd just prepared for them. I didn’t have a reference image for this piece and I just love how it all finally came together.

 

Any tips or words of wisdom to aspiring artists who want to pursue a similar career.

I don’t consider myself the best person to give much advice here as my path is pretty unconventional for an aspiring professional artist. But as in any field, the only way to get better at something is with lots of practice! So make time to pursue creativity- if it is through sketching or painting, do a little everyday even if you don’t feel particularly inspired or stimulated. 

And most of all, believe in yourself and in your work!

Thank you so much Samantha for sharing your inspiring journey with me and my readers and we look forward to seeing more of your work.

Stay tuned for more artist inspirations in the coming weeks!

Artist Of The Month - Raya Al Maskari

Raya Al Maskari, a quality management and auditor by profession is a prominent artist in Oman and I have been following her work for some time which is truly inspiring. Her drawings and sketches are so organic with absolutely no rules which makes it unique. Most of her portraits evoke emotions. She experiments a lot with deconstruction art and abstracts, mixing hand drawn and digital work. Her creative process is what attracted me the most. The other aspect of what drew me to her work is her fabulous humour sense and sarcasm through her doodles and cartoons. She subtly gives a beautiful message in each of her doodles through the different humorous scenarios.

Have a look at her fabulous work and let’s hear more from her about her inspiring art journey.

Tell us a bit about yourself

Raya Saleh Al Maskari, a visual artist and a graphic designer.  CEO founder of Omanspire, works as a media specialist, quality management and lead auditor.

How did your journey as an artist begin? Did you have any formal training or is it self taught?

I started working on my art since early childhood with support of my parents, and it grew as I grew older with consistent practice and learning continuously, grabbing every opportunity to polish my artistic skills. I took lessons and classes with number of academics and artists: Basics of drawing with Mrs Laila Al Elaqi a Tunisian artist and an art academic, I also took painting lessons with Mr Abdulhameed Al Zubeidi an Iraqi artist, currently taking classes in methods of creative imagination  and anatomy with Dr Nasaser Palangi Irani/ Australian  artist.

Participations:
⁃ Annual youth exhibition by the society of fine arts - Muscat 2010
⁃ Annual calligraphy exhibition - Muscat 2010
⁃ Art 100*100 - Bait Al Zubair - Muscat 2014
⁃ “Voices from within” art Exhibition 2015 - Muscat
⁃ Oman’s cultural night by Dubai’s cultural center 2016
⁃ Oman - Philippines national day tribute 2016
⁃ Colorful Novels art exhibition 2018

- Methods of creative imagination workshop by the National        museum & Dr Nasser Palangi 2019/2020

How would you describe your art style?

My artwork is a combination of various styles and techniques, which includes bilingual cartoons that reflects aspects of social and cultural life in a sarcastic humorous way. As well as different medium that combines digital and traditional materials that is mainly about figures, faces and emotions along with inspiration from Oman’s rich culture, mostly the contemporary side of it.

What's your inspiration for your art work?

Everything around me can be an inspiration, the colors of nature, plants, textures, memories of things around me, food! People also inspire me; I see a story behind every face.

What is the most challenging aspect about your work?

Recognition, especially by our local galleries as I got a better recognized abroad. Lack of materials, that’s another challenge that most of us face here, and even if some are barely available they come in unreasonable prices.

We also face endless challenges with clients who expect you to sell your artwork for cheap comparing it to the ones they find in furnishing stores, our intellectual rights as people take some of the artworks and remove your signature or make copies and resell it on products without the permission of the artist. The lack of appreciation and support throughout the media in general.

 What is your creative process like? And what keeps you motivated?

Well, creative minds don’t necessarily go in one route towards a creative process, it depends on the idea and the type of art you strive to create, along with the message you’re trying to deliver.

The challenges keep me motivated, every time I face a mishap I bounce back to come up with more. Resilience and the urge to make a difference are the driving forces towards my motivation.

 

Do you commission different projects? And how can people purchase your paintings?

Yes I do, though I usually sell the paintings I make, I rarely commission a painting or a portrait, people can contact me though my accounts on Facebook, twitter and instagram.

 

 What is your favorite art piece that you have done till date?

Oh that’s a tough question, it’s like asking who’s your favourite child. Every artwork has an experience of its own it’s a record of the perceptual message that I try to deliver visually, they are accumulative timeline of my progress in this field, and a chain that tells a story of my journey throughout my life.

 

 Any tips or words of wisdom to aspiring artists who want to pursue a similar career.

Before seeking for support, be worthy of it and it will come naturally towards you.

Your challenges are not obstacles. Never allow negativity to disable your creativity. Keep practising, and experimenting, in order to come up with something that’s purely and originally yours, its okay to copy in order to learn but it’s not okay to copy and be a copy of someone else.

You are a unique individual and that should be reflected in your work, don’t ever restrict yourself in a titled box of “art schools/ styles”, experiment and come up with your own. Artists are NOT meant to vanish between the crowds they are meant to outstand.

 If the local galleries rejected your work you can always go to social media platforms to showcase, exhibit and introduce your creativity not only to the local audience but also to the world. Opportunities are gems of life; grab them with everything you have.

 We all go through ups and downs in life but one should always remember that resilience is the key to growth. And if you don’t stand up for yourself no one is going to do that for you.

Thank you so much Raya for the powerful message you gave to the upcoming artists and for giving us a glimpse of your beautiful and inspiring us with your journey. If you wish to follow her for updates, please follow her on Instagram @rayaarts .

Artist of the month - Shalini Kumar

Today’s feature is on an artist who accidentally started experiencing her passion for art, which took her to a beautiful journey and there was no turning back. Shalini Kumar, a well-known artist in the art community in Oman, did her doctorate degree in Economics from Agra University. She is a versatile self-taught Indian artist based in Muscat, Oman. She is also a passionate poet good orator, dancer and trained laughter yoga teacher.

Most of her works are inspired by the scenic beauty and culture of Oman and its people. Her love for Oman can be seen in her beautiful paintings. She paints in all mediums but loves to paint in Acrylic and more of contemporary arts.  She works on commission. Many of her art Works sale is to help underprivileged. Her art works are also a part of private collector’s collection which is a huge honour for her. And she is a member of Omani Society of Fine Arts for last 11 years.

She has exhibited her art work in many countries like Brunei, Oman, Russia, Indonesia, Uganda and Dubai etc. She has done many solo and joint painting exhibitions in Muscat and Internationally. Over the years, her passion for teaching art grew as well. She has conducted workshops for past 11 years at different community centres in Muscat and also taught art to children at Shell school at Sakhalin in Russia.

She runs a laughter yoga club for free for ladies. She also teaches mosaic work and loves silk painting too specially stoles of self-imaginative designs. Recently she was honoured as a judge and co-host of Alwar International Film Festival January 2020.

Her last big project was to participate in GRATITUDE 50, project (a masterpiece of Sultan Qaboos Portrait of 7 meters by 6 meters), represented by 19 countries artists, Her last solo exhibition was in December 4 until January 3rd 2020 where the media has applauded her work.

Grab a cup of coffee or tea and have a look at some of her master pieces

 

The recent lockdown has brought out more creativity and new skills on to her canvases. If you wish to get in touch with her for more updates please email her at shalinikumar46@gmail.com 

Artist of the month - Dr.Zakiya Al Busaidi

Today I am honoured to feature a passionate Omani artist who is a doctor by profession and therapist. And her goal is to heal the world through art and medicine and make this world a better place to live in. Dr. Zakiya Al Busaidi strongly believes that other than medicine, art can heal people. She has also acquired her PhD on the relation between mind and body. And she has been a great advocate for mental health awareness in Oman. She started her journey as an artist 6 years back. I was fortunate to see her work in an exhibition here in Oman. The emotional energy of her work is portrayed beautifully in each piece. There is joy and movement in most of her work through the colours and textures she has used.

Let’s have a look at her beautiful work and hear more from her regarding her art journey

Tell us a bit about yourself. How did your journey as an artist begin? Did you have any formal training?

My name is Zakiya Al Busaidi, I am artist and a doctor. The two seem to be inseparable since both are expressions of my soul. I started my journey with art 6 years ago, unplanned but fell in love with art and started attending short courses with Omani artists for 2 years.

How would you describe your art style?

Since I am a big fan of the French Impressionsm art movement, (especially Claude Monet), that was the first style I started with but later I experimented with pop art, calligraphy and currently working on pour and fluid art. 

What's your inspiration for your art work?

My art is inspired by nature where I feel more connected and spirituality.  

Do you commission different projects? And how can people purchase your paintings?

My art is available for sale on my instagram account (@zalbusaidi_art) and whenever I participate in exhibitions in Muscat. 

Any tips or words of wisdom to aspiring artists who want to pursue a similar career.

I believe in the role of art in healing and I promote for mindful art. Therefore, I encourage people to do art for self- expression and as a way of meditation. Art teaches us how to be present, appreciate the beauty that we have around us and be less judgmental of ourselves and others. 

Thank you Zakiya for sharing your beautiful work with me and my readers…. and for giving us an insight for your inspiring art journey. We wish you many more successes and looking forward to more creative pieces from you!

If you wish to get updates of her beautiful work, please follow her on instagram @zalbusaidi_art.

All the above pictures are via Zakiya Al Busaidi

Artist of the month - Elizabeth Davis

Elizabeth Davis, a prominent artist in the Oman art community, reminds herself and everyone around that “Art is not merely a career but a way of life”. I am a huge fan of her art work and witnessed her exhibitions many times. Her commitment to the art scene has gained respect and fans… and what I love about her is her constant zeal for learning more, updating her skills and always challenging herself. 

Most of her artwork is greatly influenced by the scenic beauty of Oman and the hospitality and beauty of Omani Culture and her travels as well. I have also known her for promoting and motivating amateur artists as well which makes her an even more beautiful artist. Her work is an extension of her warmth, her enthusiasm and her passion. Her love for details and creating the mood evokes a sense of peace and wanting to travel, that can be clearly seen in her work, through the colours and textures on her work. 

Have a look at her paintings and let’s hear more from Elizabeth and her inspiring journey as an artist

Tell us a bit about yourself. How did your journey as an artist begin? Did you have any formal training or is it self- taught?

My journey as an artist began in school. I have early memories of colouring the Nutrine bunny. We had a wonderful Art and craft section in school manned by a fantastic art teacher. Academics was taught only in the morning session, the whole afternoon session was dedicated to arts and sports. In our art class we were taught various techniques starting with sketching, crayons, colour pencils, water colours, oil painting, marble painting, mosaic work, tie and dye, batik, block printing, leather craft, etc.


As a family too, we children were art oriented in addition to academics. I remember my grandmother used to always decorate her letters with sketches. She had a brother who used to paint on the walls of his house and was considered quite eccentric. The only one who did not care for drawing was my younger brother who incidentally got a prize at the Shankar’s International art competition. I too remember getting a prize much later for my “Qutub Minar”from the Navarang Chitrakala Niketan, Guntur. Many years later my mom said that since her mother and her kids paint, she too should be having that talent and made a pretty good painting, she painted no further almost as if she had proved her point.

My art took a back stage and came to a grinding halt during my work, marriage, bringing up the children phase. Got a breather after coming to Muscat and would paint on and off. Got back fully into the Art scene about 4 years ago after moving to the Al Mouj community and discovering a lot of talented artists. Started with a bang with my first exhibition at the World Art Dubai. It was a great learning experience. Became a member of the Omani society of Fine arts soon after and took part in various exhibitions. Took a few courses with some great Artists and discovered new worlds in art.

My whole idea of Art went for a toss. I discovered Acrylics paints! Whereas I had always strived for perfection and realism, here were artists telling to paint how I feel and not how I see. They tell me to be creative and not to function like a camera! For me Art was art and craft was Craft … and then I discovered Mixed media! And both my interests could merge.

Has your artwork evolved during the last couple of years? How would you describe your art style?

Currently I would call my art as Contemporary and Impressionist and maybe semi abstract. I cannot classify myself as I am still on a journey of experimentation and discovery. In fact all my paintings look like they are done by different people and I am reveling in the sheer variety. I do not want to fall in a niche, I want to keep getting out of my comfort zone, I want to be constantly challenged. The downside is sleepless nights were my mind is furiously pumping out ideas and techniques. In fact a few times I have jumped out of bed, into the adjacent studio, to attack the canvas in the middle of the night. Many a times I have been sorely disappointed with the outcome, but some of my favourite pieces are done over these disasters.

What's your inspiration for your art work? 

Inspiration for art work is all around us and many a times within us.

Initially as you started as an artist, was your work rejected at any point? If yes, how did you deal with it and overcome?

Our biggest rejection comes from ourselves. We have to keep working till we are happy with our work. It is also equally important to know when to stop. Sometimes there is a sense of depression when the mind cannot connect with the hand. Then there is a sense of exhilaration when we feel the hand of the creator working through us.

There are days when I literally live in the studio, and there are other times when I take long breaks. Sometimes, we just have to overcome the inertia, like the writer’s block.

What is the most challenging aspect about your work?

There are days when I literally live in the studio, and there are other times when I take long breaks. Sometimes, we just have to overcome the inertia, like the writer’s block.

What medium do you use? What is your creative process like? and what keeps you motivated?

My whole idea of Art went for a toss. I discovered Acrylics paints! Whereas I had always strived for perfection and realism, here were artists telling to paint how I feel and not how I see. They tell me to be creative and not to function like a camera! For me Art was art and craft was Craft … and then I discovered Mixed media! And both my interests could merge.

Do you commission different projects? And how can people purchase your paintings?

Oman does not seem to be a buyers market currently and there are very few galleries and platforms for artists. The OSFA is doing a tremendous job of promoting art and artists and we are grateful for that. The National Museum too is doing their bit. Also art material is very expensive and often new material is unavailable in Oman. But the art community here is wonderful and encouraging

I have sold a few of my paintings, done a few commission jobs, but not as much as I would have liked to.

I am planning to hold a solo exhibition sometime this year in Muscat and hopefully one in India.

What is your favorite art piece that you have done till date?

Often my favourite art piece is the one I have just finished. Though some are very dear due to the situation behind the painting or certain memories.

Any tips or words of wisdom to aspiring artists who want to pursue a similar career.

My advice to everyone is simple - Enjoy Art … there is an artist in every one of us … it can give immense satisfaction and happiness. Don’t be afraid of disasters. Treat it as an adventure …. “Artventure”.

In fact, I am also hoping to take classes for children as there is no better teacher for creativity than a child and we can learn as we teach. I would also tell parents to encourage children to try out new ideas and not to stereotype their art and thoughts. Using the right side of the brain is as important as the left. Recycling and reusing are also very important to me and I would like to incorporate more of it into my art.

Art is not merely a career, its a way of life.

Thank you so much Elizabeth for sharing your art journey with me and my readers! I am sure there are many who are inspired by your work. And wishing you all the best ahead in your journey!

If you wish to follow Elizabeth’s work please click here and  follow her at eliseasel in instagram handle. And you can email her at eliseasel@gmail.com  

Above pics via Elizabeth Davis

Artist of the Month - Rebeca Nigrinis

I have had the pleasure of knowing Rebeca Nigrinis, a prominent artist in muscat, whose work has bloomed over the past couple of years. She started off as a mural artist and she had started making her mark since then and evolved to where she is today. And it is all because of her sheer hard work. 

Rebeca Nigrinis is a Colombian artist whose paintings are well known by the bold lines and amalgamation of bright colours. She developed a unique art style combining the vibrant culture of her Latino and Caribbean background, with the Middle Eastern exotic beauty. She is an industrial engineer by profession but she followed her passion for art. Over the years she has diversified her work from canvas painting to art on wood and has launched a line of décor items like wooden coasters, trays, placemats and lazy susans with her beautiful artwork on it. She has held several  solo exhibitions locally and internationally and particpated in group exhibitions as well, where she is known for her unique style of art and for her choice of vibrant colours.  

Here are some of her beautiful work

Golden Diva 

Acrylic on canvas

90x60 cm

Blue silver Arabian diva

Acrylic on canvas

60x40 cm

Camel with flowers

Acrylic on canvas

60x60 cm

Frida 

Acrylic on canvas 

80x80 cm

Recently Rebeca was honoured with an opportunity to showcase her project, called the Buddy Bear, at the German Embassy in Oman. Buddy Bear is known to be an art project that is popular in Germany where artists paint on life size bear sculptures to indicate friendliness and optimism. There was an open call for artists that was published on their website and Rebeca was chosen after she submitted her proposal. Her work on the Buddy Bear represented the unity of Oman and Germany, where she included their flags, Omani icons like royal palace, incence burner, dhow boat, mosque and forts. The work was completed in 5 full working days at the Embassy.

Here are some pictures on her Buddy Bear project

If you are in Muscat, stay tuned for Oman Affordable Art Show which will take place on December 5th and 6th, 10am to 8pm at Bahja Hall, Qurum, and you can view and buy Rebeca's beautiful work. And if you wish to follow her on Instagram please click here to access her page. 

Lets get to know more about Rebeca's creative journey:

How did your journey as an artist begin? Did you have any formal training or is it self-taught?

I’m a self-taught artist and my talent is a gift from God. After completing my degree in Engineering I got married, and soon after that, we moved to Saudi Arabia. Once there I started to paint, eighteen years ago. We had moved many times and lived in different countries and my art travels with me everywhere we go.

Has your artwork evolved during the last couple of years? How would you describe your art style?

Usually when I look back at my old work I don’t like it, and I think that’s good because it means I’m improving. Only few pieces will be forever in my favorites list. I think I’ve done a good job trying to create my own style which I honestly can’t find a single word to define, but I know I like to create people stories represented on a canvas. 

What's your inspiration for your art work? 
My travels are a huge inspiration for me. Each time I go to a new place I come up with a new series.

Initially as you started as an artist, was your work rejected at any point? If yes, how did you deal with it and overcome?

Yes! My work had been rejected of course! There were tears shed but now I understand it was part of my process. 

What is the most challenging aspect about your work?

Personally I find it very challenging to work on a single piece. My studio is full of pieces I had started and kept aside until I feel like completing them. But every single day no matter how tired I am I’ll work on one.

What medium do you use? What is your creative process like? and what keeps you motivated?

I started painting with acrylics, then I jumped to oils for a while and now I’m back to acrylics. Motivation comes when I look back and see how far I’ve got and also how far I am from where I want to become. Then I feel like I should get to the studio and get some work done. 

Do you commission different projects? And how can people purchase your paintings?

I do commissions and people usually contact me through my social media pages. I also love to attend art fairs and meet art collectors in person. 

What is your favorite art piece that you have done till date?

That’s a difficult question to answer because each piece is like a child for me. I love them all! There’s a story behind each. 

Any tips or words of wisdom to aspiring artists who want to pursue a similar career?

I would like to say to young artist: work on creating your own style. Use others work to get inspired but never try to copy them, that will totally ruin your process. 

Rebeca, on behalf of my readers, here is wishing you a successful creative journey and lots more projects. We look forward to seeing more of your work!

All the above pictures are copyrighted by Rebeca