We were lucky to catch up with Khalid Hussein recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Khalid, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
I did not grow up with wealth, or much sense of security for the future. Growing in the projects of Cairo, Egypt with little money, my prospects for future success in life were mostly aspirational. Creativity was a refuge. You made your own substitutes for the things that were out of reach. This was the genesis of my creative impulses. With a sense of not having much to lose, I quickly learned the value of the things I did have and cared about. These were things within myself that were beyond losing. With this mindset, fear of failure is less of an obstacle. When you feel like you are gambling with a bad hand to begin with, you bet high, and hope for that winning card to show up next. I’ve been lucky many times, and am ever thankful for the people that have showed up in my life as mentors and friends who kept me in the game. I’m not afraid of taking risks in art and life because the failures I might encounter have taught me valuable lessons. I sometimes take the long and rocky road around, but that risky path has taught me a lot. And I always know the things that matter most can’t really be lost along the way. This is how I approach art and life. Painting became my primary mode of expression. It is in some ways a crazy thing to pursue. It costs time and money to create this form of art. Sometimes I wish I had a talent for music, and could travel lightly with a guitar on my back. Instead, I create physical objects, building a museum to things I love. The subject of my art is often considered dark. I focus on history, trauma, and loss. Images of people and places that exist only as much as the impact they had on the world. In my view, humanity is the sum of all the things that have come and gone. We are all a continuously regenerating pattern that replicates like a fractal. Cells die and are replaced by new ones, and after a certain amount of years we are not even composed of the material we once were. What holds us together as an entity is the constantly regenerating pattern of our consciousness. Call it a soul. In this way, the art I make about memory and loss is contributing to the record of who we were, who we are, and who we want to be. It is also a tribute to the fearless risk-takers, rebels, and dreamers who should be remembered as beautiful threads in this unfinished tapestry.
Perhaps that is an overly poetic answer to a simple biographical question (you might not think it, but I also have a sense of humor!). Still, I have difficulty separating my musings from the rest of myself. I think they are also more interesting than other details of my life. I’m an artist until the end. And that’s a risk I’m willing to take.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
For the most part I paint. I show in galleries and museums throughout California, the Middle East and elsewhere. I am also currently working on an anthology of short stories. I always have some project underway. Part of my process is to switch mindsets between between different modes of expression. In the meantime I teach art to people of various ages. I’m have some work in a touring art show organized by the Institute for Palestinian Studies, and work with the non-profit, Zanbeel Art, teaching workshops on art and culture to students in underserved schools. Sometimes I also sleep…
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
For me, the most important qualities that have guided me have been the three Cs: curiosity, compassion, and conviction. For those starting their journey in art, I would caution that it is often not easy, but if you maintain conviction that this is who you are and what you want to do, you will find a place. Do not be too arrogant to be the student. Learn what you can wherever you can. Do not let ego and mission diminish your sense of humanity and compassion for the people you encounter. Don’t be afraid to take a long shot. Failure is an inevitable step toward success. Be true to yourself. (Also, beware of scammers)
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
If I were to list everyone I owe a debt to, I would need to be played off the stage like they do when you run long at the Oscars. I would however like to make special mention of the Youth Arts Collective (YAC), which is a non-profit studio for young artists. This organization provided me the space I needed as a young artist, and was truly a lifeline. If I started listing individual teachers, mentors and friends, the list would be long, and I would be mortified if I left out someone. They know who they are and I love them all.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.khalidhussein.com
- Instagram: @khalhussein
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khalidhusseinfineart/
Image Credits
copyright Khalid Hussein
