We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shagufta Khan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shagufta, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
Every artist faces the darkness of a creative block. I, however, have begun to understand my creative blocks as the time where inspiration is going through a synoptic synthesis – a state of pause where newly perceived ideas, impressions, feelings, and thoughts are making connections with each other – and with that which already exists in my mind, to eventually come into form as painted expression.
Since I am an Impressionist Abstract Artist, and my aim to capture the profound intricacies in nature, relationships, family and community, and human identity, all through a feast of colors and abstract forms, the pause becomes necessary to brew all these ideas to express through my artwork which is an amalgamation of my perception – as life happens and I observe nature; relational dynamics; world and the state of humanity, I must pause to let it all simmer in before I divulge it onto the canvas.
During these times of pause, I don’t fully stop creating; rather I work with other forms of art such as sketching, crafting jewelry, or just collecting materials for mixed media projects. I do a lot of free writing and write about different project ideas for art collaborations I would like to work on. Since everyone is different, I can only share what works for me during my creative “block”; but at a general level, my advice would be to let inspiration ignite on its own; let creativity come to you rather than pushing for it – it is the most gratifying when it rises from within and itches your soul to bring it out to the world!
The next part of the interview is where we’d love to learn more about you, your story and what you are focused on professionally – whether it’s a business, nonprofit, artistic career etc. Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about your brand/art/etc. If relevant, please also tell our readers about anything new (events, product/service launches, expansion, etc.)
In my day job, I am an Instructional Designer – a creative field that complements being an artist. Both realms foster creativity and capturing the imagination, both work with flow and engagement; and both require synthesis of information – with art, it’s the portrayal of visual, sensory, and energetic stimuli; while in case of course creation, it is the organization of design and content.
With respect to being an artist, I would say that the most distinctive aspect of my artwork lies in the absence of preconceived plans or sketches. I embrace a spontaneous creative process that I refer to as “spilling my artistic energies onto the canvas,” which involves channeling emotions from my inner self. This approach allows for a raw and intuitive expression of the artistic vision. Also, what sets my art apart is the absence of traditional brushwork in many of my pieces. Instead, I rely on the tactile engagement of my hands, resulting in a more direct and immediate connection with the canvas. This technique imbues my artwork with a sense of authenticity and a unique energy, seizing the essence of motion, emotions, and my personal interpretation of the world.
Because my art is the expression of my personal life, emotions, and struggles, I see that it captivates the audience at a personal and deeper level – which I feel is the most rewarding and special element about my work. I encourage my audiences to freely interpret my work, however it may stir their soul and evoke personal reflections.
To have my art reach audiences far and wide, I am currently working on launching my clothing line by the name of SK Studios’ Wearable Art! The tagline describes the spirit of my artistic endeavor: “Wear Shagufta’ s art that resonates with your soul and be my painting!” The idea behind the clothing line is to make my artistic impression easily acquirable, and to be able to bring into your homes and into your lives its vibrational energy!
Another exciting current venture is organizing meditative classes at my art studio where any and everyone is welcomed to shed their inhibitions and conditioning, and simply channel their creative energies in freeform – an art session that can help release emotional blocks, bring clarity about internal conflict or act as a truly therapeutic sitting. In the words of J. Gorman who took a session, “The meditative art experience was not only fun but also an opportunity to explore my emotions nonverbally and creatively. What made it even better was doing it with friends.”; while K. Kusha’s said that meditative art “allowed me to explore my emotions and feelings and use my creativity to find closure and healing.”
In the future, I plan on offer online one-on-one sessions via Zoom – anyone can book a session by contacting me directly via Instagram or text message via cellphone.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
For myself creativity, authenticity, and enthusiasm are the qualities that have defined me. They are the basis of who I am as a person and as an artist. My art thus reflects authenticity which comes from creating organically, and not by following any set guidelines, iconic artists, or style. Thus, my advice to folks who are early in their artistic pursuits is, One, to be fearless and genuine in creating what comes out from the depths of your being instead of replicating others. Getting inspiration is not what I am against, it is when we want to make something exactly like what we have seen, that kills creativity and originality. Two, passion and your enthusiasm are also key to how your art is perceived, as the viewers can almost always read the vibe coming out of your work. Thus, work with passion and be enthusiastic in what you create; Lastly, create for your own heart and it will resonate with the hearts of others!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am looking to collaborate with art vendors and galleries to showcase my art or work on a collaborative art projects. They can contact me directly by messaging on Instagram or text messaging on my cellphone.
Contact Info:
- Text Message on cell: 551-689-3600
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/abstractpaintersclub?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaintersCorner?mibextid=LQQJ4d
