Meet Karrar Al Gburi

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karrar Al Gburi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Karrar with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

Family Influence:
I was raised in a family where hard work and perseverance were highly valued. Seeing my parents and role models in my life demonstrate such strong work ethics really shaped my mindset. They taught me the importance of consistency, discipline, and taking pride in what I do. Personal Experiences and Challenges**:
“My work ethic is the result of overcoming challenges in my life. I’ve faced obstacles that pushed me to work harder and smarter. These experiences have taught me the value of resilience and the importance of giving my best in any situation.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a physician and artist, born and raised in Iraq, with a lifelong passion for art and visual expression. My medical training, particularly in anatomy, profoundly shaped my artistic journey, giving me a nuanced understanding of the human form and enabling me to create highly realistic works of art. Inspired by the Renaissance masters, I have drawn significant influence from Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, who famously studied anatomy to enhance their artistic skills. Their dedication to understanding the human body as both an artistic and scientific endeavor has deeply resonated with me, encouraging me to approach my art with the same blend of precision and creativity.

By mastering the delicate interplay of light and shadow, I have developed a signature style, using graphite to produce strikingly lifelike illusions. Following my graduation from medical school, I immersed myself in the techniques of the old masters, studying their methods and incorporating their timeless principles into my work. While I primarily work with graphite and charcoal on paper, I also experiment with other mediums, including colored pencils and watercolors.

Through my art, I aim to inspire viewers to see the beauty in everyday life and reconnect with the natural world. To me, art is a mirror of nature and a universal language that bridges time, place, and human experience. Much of my inspiration comes from my daily life and professional experiences as a physician, where I witness the profound connection between care and humanity. These interactions often serve as a foundation for my creative expression, allowing me to merge the art of healing with the art of creation.

My dedication to my craft was recently recognized with an Honorable Mention award, a pivotal moment in my artistic career that affirmed my commitment to excellence. Looking ahead, I am preparing for my first solo exhibition, Classical Artwork: Graphite on Paper, which will debut in 2025. This exhibition will showcase a blend of classical techniques and contemporary innovation, reflecting my artistic growth and offering a compelling visual narrative that celebrates the harmony between tradition and modernity.

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?

**Three Most Important Qualities, Skills, and Areas of Knowledge**

1. **Anatomical Knowledge**
My background in medicine, particularly in anatomy, has been one of the most impactful areas of knowledge in my artistic journey. Understanding the intricate details of the human body has allowed me to create works that are both precise and lifelike. This deep knowledge enhances not only my technical skills but also my ability to express the humanity and emotion behind each piece.

**Advice:** For aspiring artists, studying anatomy—even at a basic level—can significantly improve their understanding of structure and form. Whether through life drawing classes, anatomy books, or online courses, invest time in learning how the body works and moves.

2. **Mastering Classical Techniques**
Studying and emulating the methods of the old masters was pivotal in shaping my artistic style. By immersing myself in their techniques, I developed a strong foundation in the fundamentals of art, such as light, shadow, and composition, which I continue to build upon.

**Advice:** Beginners should prioritize mastering the basics before experimenting with modern approaches. Study classical works, practice foundational skills like drawing and shading, and be disciplined in your craft. Seek mentors, join workshops, or use resources like books and tutorials to learn the timeless principles of art.

3. **Patience and Dedication**
Art is a journey of continuous learning, requiring immense patience and dedication. Many of the skills I’ve developed came from countless hours of practice, experimentation, and refinement. Each piece of work brought lessons, and every challenge strengthened my resilience.

**Advice:** Commit to your growth as an artist and embrace the process. Be patient with yourself, as progress takes time. Focus on creating regularly, even when it feels challenging, and don’t be afraid to learn from failures. Surround yourself with a supportive community and seek constructive feedback to help you grow.

By focusing on these three areas—technical knowledge, classical mastery, and unwavering dedication—any artist can lay a strong foundation for a fulfilling and impactful artistic journey.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

Yes, one of the challenges I am currently facing is balancing the demands of my dual careers as a physician and an artist. Both fields require significant time, energy, and focus, and it can be challenging to give each the attention it deserves while maintaining the high standards I set for myself.

Another challenge is navigating the art world’s evolving dynamics, particularly in terms of exposure and recognition. While social media offers a platform to reach a wider audience, concerns about copyright infringement and the misuse of artwork have made me cautious about sharing my creations online. This has created a tension between protecting my work and increasing its visibility in today’s media-driven landscape.

Lastly, as I prepare for my first solo exhibition in 2025, the challenge lies in curating a cohesive body of work that authentically represents my artistic voice while resonating with diverse audiences. It’s a meticulous process that demands both creative and logistical precision.

Each of these challenges pushes me to grow, adapt, and find innovative ways to stay true to my vision while meeting the practical demands of my dual passions.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Reflection of Reality Show ” had 2 drawing, ” Drapery” and my ” Tea Pot” drawing that got the honorable mention, had a good evening with cool artists!

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Betting on the Brightside: Developing and Fostering Optimism

Optimism is like magic – it has the power to make the impossible a reality

Highlighter Series
What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?

There is no one path – to success or even to New York (or Kansas).

Leadership Development
Finding & Living with Purpose

Over the years we’ve had the good fortunate of speaking with thousands of successful entrepreneurs,