Creative Minds:
Sanaa Merchant
Sanaa Merchant comes from a family with a long history. The name Merchant is well known in both the UAE and Pakistan. Sanaa herself is an artist who has spent her entire life in the UAE, and as much as she misses her family in Pakistan, she considers the UAE to be her home. She is inspired by the local culture of the Emirates, emphasizing contemporary Arabian themes, artefacts and geometrical patterns while fusing modernism in her pieces. Her work ranges from a variety of mediums which includes watercolor paintings and canvases that beautifully presents calligraphies, ornaments and modern elements. GLOSS had a chance to pick the mind of the artist and know more about her passion for spreading colours, one stroke at a time.
What sparked your interest in creating art and what inspires you?
Art has always influenced society, instilling values and translating experiences across time and space, a means for interaction and dialogue with creative forms. My inspiration has come from my life here in the UAE where the culture and architecture has become a part of who I am, and I’m especially drawn to the Arabian themes, artefacts and geometrical patterns.
What is your art philosophy? Is there a message you convey with your artwork?
I have always expressed my ideas through bold colours, expressions and forms through strokes and contrasts which closely relate the aesthetics through which people can express themselves. This has certainly allowed me to convey my thoughts, and most importantly, it has helped to communicate ideas as it brings us all together as humans to be able to understand each other where words cannot go the distance.
What sort of planning goes into creating a piece?
Whenever I am inspired I always create a visual value of the art work in terms of size, placement and the vision of it either by saving images or quick sketches with mock ups that eventually evolve into art works. Nevertheless sometimes there is no planning and straight on colours splashed on the art surfaces where it helps to experiment and discover creativity at its best.
What is your signature style?
Bold colours and contrasts which are easily seen in most of my works regardless of the subject.
Do you think a formal education in art helps an artist?
Formal education is always good in shaping basic techniques and forms, but I do not think it is an ultimate necessity as long as one has the aptitude to learn and explore continuously.
A lot of people think one cannot survive by being a fulltime artist. How would you respond to that?
An artist should always strive to adapt to the changes and norms taking pace in their surrounding and incorporate it well into their practises. Such changes help an artist grow and still be able to grasp on current practises. Adopting these changes, I do not see the reason why anyone would not survive; I am sure they will flourish.
What has been the most challenging part of being an artist?
Most challenging part is figuring out whether the piece says everything that I want it to say. Often when I think an art work is completed, I’ll reflect on it for a time before I sign it off just to make sure I do not need to add anything to it. It is the wait and observance that is most difficult.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
One should always believe in themselves regardless of what culture and society say; and to take one step at a time.
What is your art world pet peeve?
“It’s not free? Thanks.”
