Artist of the month – Eema

My name is Eema, I’m 17 years old and I’m a self taught artist currently studying in Ahmadhiyya International School. I also prefer to go by the name “Eem” I’ve always been interested in art. As a child I’d always stay up late making random scribbles on my notebooks. I liked to go through my brothers art books and watch my sister as she drew landscapes, I always wished to be like them.

Its somehow so satisfying to see something created so beautifully, and it’s even more satisfying if you’re the one who created it. The process was always my favourite part.  Art also taught me to trust and be patient with myself. My sister would make little sketches for me to color in when I was young, I’d always tell her that I wanted to draw like she does. It began with mere fascination. That is until I started to explore other artists on the internet, that fascination soon turned into an obsession I pursued. From the start I drew anime characters, which soon became real people. That wasn’t enough for me, I wanted to draw them as realistically as possible. I love being able to bring people to life through art. Hyper-realism has been my goal since the start. 

As my specialty lied in portraits, realism, etc..I wanted to do draw something that would accentuate all of those elements. So my cousin provided me with an immensely detailed picture of an old woman. The picture was exactly what I was looking for. The detail and dark tones and shades made me decide that between charcoal and graphite, the former could best portray the effect of hyper-realism in this scenario. I’ve thought a lot about holding a solo exhibition portraying my artworks for a while. But I still have many more artworks I want to do and showcase in an exhibition. I feel it’d better if I do it after I’ve explored all my current goals and ideas.
I seem to get a lot of requests now and then for commissions, but I never have the time or the right supplies I need for it. But I do plan to start taking art as a career soon enough. 

There were times when I kept deluding on whether to stop art or continue it, with people telling me how invaluable it is. But with the support and advice from my family and friends, I got back up on my feet every single time. Art was worth it. 

My dream is to let art teach me as much about its world as possible. I envisioned a realm where doing art alone is enough to earn a living. I felt happy when I got the title of most vibrant artist in drawing category, but I never felt true success until I saw the pride on my parent’s face. Their happiness and mine is a dream I’ve always chased, and art gives me that.