Artist: Khadija Ahmed

1. What phenomenon inspires your art the most?

Given my background in the Sciences, I have always been captivated by the beauty of cellular architecture and use this microscopic phenomenon to inspire my abstract paintings. Additionally, for me, the relationship between art and nature has always been fascinating. In a way, nature inspires me to paint, and in turn painting allows me to reflect on the beauty of life around me. 

2. What materials do you tend to use the most, in your work?

My work is largely created with acrylic paint on canvas; however, I have more recently shifted to mixed-media artwork, where I have the freedom to combine different materials and layering techniques to produce depth and dimension in my work. The most unique materials I’ve used in my paintings have been pressed flower petals and sewing thread! I find it really refreshing to look around and ask myself how I can incorporate mundane, everyday-objects (like thread and masking tape) into my work. In this manner, painting challenges me to be more creative and open- minded. 

3. What emotion are you hoping to incite in your viewer? 

For me, painting is more than just a medium of self-expression, it’s a way to bring people together and invite imaginative interpretation. I hope to challenge my viewers and hopefully broaden their outlook on what constitutes “art”. 

4. What is the greatest challenge that you faced as an artist? 

As an artist, the greatest challenge that I’ve had to overcome is self-doubt, and as such the corresponding question, “Am I good enough?”. As a self-taught artist, I’ve never had any formal training in the arts, which often leaves me feeling like an imposter in this field and forces me to question the value of my work. It’s one thing to look at my work and feel pride in what I’ve created, but this sense of accomplishment starts to fade when I have to share my work with other people, who, I fear, may not have the same perception. What makes this experience even more challenging is that my work is more than just a materialistic composition, it’s a reflection of my own outlook on life, my fears, and my emotions. As such, whenever I share my work, I have this intense sense of vulnerability. I recognize that I’m putting myself in a position of judgement and criticism, and quite frankly, that used to be terrifying. Now, before I share my work at exhibitions, I take the time to reflect and remind myself about why I started to paint – to be more open-minded, to be creative, and to share my joy with others. I recognize that I’m not perfect, and neither is my art, but that’s okay. I invite all sorts of discussion, comments, and criticism, because open discourse is what facilitates new ideas! Moreover, these opportunities to share my work have actually inspired me to improve and create even better art. 

5. Where is the most inspiring place you’ve visited in the world? 

The most inspiring place I’ve visited is Karachi, Pakistan. Visiting Karachi helped me to not only reconcile my identity as a Pakistani-Canadian woman, but also inspired me to embrace the rich cultural landscape. In my paintings, I often use the intermixing of colours and textures to represent the numerous layers that make up my own identity.