Meet Qais Alsindy

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

Qais, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

My creativity is deeply rooted in my personal history, especially my experiences growing up in Iraq, living through multiple wars, and eventually migrating to the U.S. The memories I carry—the sounds of sirens, the fear of airstrikes, and the devastation of conflict—are etched into my consciousness. These stories refuse to fade, and they often emerge in my work, driving me to transform pain and destruction into something that speaks universally.
At the same time, living in the U.S. has exposed me to a new cultural landscape. I’ve had to reconcile my past with my present, finding ways to bridge the two worlds. This melting of cultures has been an ongoing source of inspiration. I draw on the contrast between the chaos I knew and the new freedoms I experience here, using my art as a means of expressing the complexities of identity, displacement, and survival.
By blending these narratives—my Iraqi roots and my American life—I keep my creativity alive. I constantly push myself to explore these dualities, to tell stories that connect the personal with the collective, and to create art that transcends borders, both literal and figurative.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m currently working on two new series: Clash of Roosters: Struggle for Power and Destruction of Wars. These projects delve into themes of survival, power, and the devastating impact of conflict.
Recently, I returned from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, where I participated in an international workshop with other artists in February 2024. I’ve also been involved in several group exhibitions this year, including one at the Claremont Lewis Museum of Art in California on August 24th, 2024, and another at the Paul Mahder Gallery in the Bay Area in mid-August 2024. These events have provided great opportunities to showcase my work and connect with other creatives, pushing my artistic exploration even further.

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?

Resilience was key, especially growing up in Iraq and experiencing the hardships of war and displacement. The ability to persevere through difficult circumstances allowed me to transform pain and adversity into creative expression. For anyone starting out, I’d advise embracing challenges as part of the journey. Every obstacle can serve as inspiration and an opportunity for growth.
Adaptability has been equally important, particularly in my transition from Iraq to the U.S. Learning to navigate a new culture and artistic environment pushed me to evolve my work while staying true to my roots. For those early in their journey, staying open to change and new experiences is crucial. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with different styles, techniques, or ideas.
Finally, a strong sense of identity has grounded me throughout my career. My Iraqi heritage and the memories of my experiences have shaped my art in profound ways. My advice to others is to stay connected to your personal story and background, as it’s often the most authentic and powerful source of creativity. Use that identity to fuel your work and make it uniquely yours.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

There are many books that influenced my career, However, I will choose three books that have played a pivotal role in my development: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Atomic Habits by James Clear, and Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.
The Alchemist taught me the importance of the journey, not just the destination. It reminded me that the true treasure often lies in the process of creating art, and that trusting my instincts and staying open to inspiration are crucial for growth.
Atomic Habits provided practical insights on how small, consistent actions can lead to big results. This has been invaluable in my artistic practice, helping me maintain discipline and focus on long-term creative goals. The idea of marginal gains—improving just 1% each day—resonated with me, and I’ve applied it to refining my techniques and working habits.
Finally, Outliers challenged the traditional notion of success, emphasizing that achievement is often a combination of hard work and circumstance. The book’s exploration of how opportunities and environment shape success made me reflect on my own journey, and it’s reinforced my belief in perseverance and taking advantage of the opportunities that come my way.
Each of these books has offered valuable lessons that continue to influence how I approach both my art and life.

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