Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Samer Ghani. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Samer, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I think most art is rooted in identity, the search for one’s identity, the combination of culture, life and the human condition. My confidence stems from this process we all face, artist or not, it’s apart of the internal journey we’re all on. As a first generation Palestinian-American, my confidence is derived from where my cultural identity started in the middle east. Shaped like clay in my time born in the States, living between two worlds and making sense of what it means to be a first generation American. What it means to speak two languages and be torn between assimilation and retaining one’s cultural background. As an artist this process fuels my sense of self-esteem. Knowing that my rich cultural history and the journey I face as a first generation American in a post 9/11 world completely contradict one another, but life as a person of color in the states is life as a walking contradiction. Artists are gifted (or cursed) turning these stones over in their creation process, it’s related to ones identification of self. I’ve developed this sense of identity living between to worlds, and capturing the raw essence of the line I stand on, my mere existence.
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?
I’m a first generation Palestinian American, working as a full time artist in Milwaukee, WI. I’m a photographer and videographer, and I work close with organizations big and small (for profit & non-profit) help craft their brand missions and document their stories. I’ve worked closely with Visit Milwaukee, Milwaukee Downtown, The Milwaukee Bucks, and many more. My work has been celebrated widely in Milwaukee, and has been recognized nationally as well. Grateful for my journey would be an understatement; but for reasons that at times escape me, I’ve been able to capture the hearts of Milwaukeeans with my undying tenacity to document all things in Milwaukee in their best light, as well as advocating for a better tomorrow.
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?
Passion, patience, and practice. Meeting your talent and sharing the level of passion and expertise you have will take you the whole way. It instinctually shares your level of practice with those around you. Patience allows you to zoom out and connect the dots of your journey, which believe it or not, leads to the biggest page turns of your career as an artist. Working my hardest throughout my time as a working adult, from grocery stores to tech firms, left a lasting impression on those around me, who in turn were humbled and eager to celebrate my journey as an artist in their (and our) collective community. Sharing your passion, and practice while having the patience to let seeds of experience grow will excel you to unbelievable heights. There are no rules, and there is no play book, you must be honest and true throughout your journey. Everything else will fall into place.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
I come from a single family home, so watching my mother, a woman who immigrated here in the 70’s the right way, taught herself english, and worked hard her entire life to keep our family afloat was easily the most impact thing that my mother did for me. She installed an unquestionable work ethic within me that is a testament to where my journey has led.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.samerghani.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/samerghani
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samerghani/
- Twitter: twitter.com/samerghani
Image Credits
Photo of me with cat is by “Anna Rardin” Portrait of me by “Isaiah Joseph”
