Fatima Ringim, 23, is an International Relations and Diplomacy graduate who started painting as a hobby. Her inability to find a job after completing youth service forced her to take it more seriously, rather than stay idle. She speaks to Daily Trust on Sunday about honing her skills to produce appreciable and sellable works.
At what point did you decide to become an artist?
From when I was little, I knew I was an artist. After practicing in the closet for a long time, I confirmed I was an artist the first time I painted on a canvas. After that, I knew that was it! Instead of sitting idle at home after I finished youth service and couldn’t get a job, I decided to channel my energy into painting. I found it gradually becoming a part of me and that’s how I became an artrepreneur – thanks to the big push from my family and friends. Today, I’m happy to say that I’ve found myself in art and I’ve grown to create art with love and occasionally sell them. The best part is seeing how people admire and appreciate my handwork.
Why painting and not another medium?
Painting because it’s something I enjoy doing it and it makes me happy. The end result of an artwork gives me an inexplicable feeling. It’s something I can always do regardless of my mood. It is not something I had to learn it but it was also something I saw myself naturally inclined to.
What are three tools you can’t do without?
My spatula, palette and my favourite brush.
What medium do you find most interesting to express yourself in?
I find using acrylic really interesting but I have plans of trying oil paint and also explore mixed media.
What does art mean to you?
To me art means everything I can’t say. Art is how I feel. Just like Edward Hopper said,“I believe if I could say it in words they’ll be no reason to paint.”
Do you have a favourite colour you enjoy working with?
I actually have two favourite colours I enjoy working with because they work hand in hand. They are black and white. This is because they define light and shade and without light everything is black and at the same time black is the presence of all colours.
Which of your works is your favourite?
I don’t have a favourite work because each of my works, was a favourite at some point. Every new work becomes a favourite for me until the next one takes its place. It’s a routine now.
Which of your works has been the most challenging to create?
Honestly, I’m always prepared to start a piece and not stop until I finish. However, I would say I tried to make a replica of the Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh and it gave me a tough time – probably because it wasn’t one of mine.
You seem to enjoy figurative art, is there any particular reason why?
Yes, because it is contemporary and it retains strong references to the real world. I choose to simplify the form in my own beautiful way.
Who and what has been your biggest inspiration?
Inspiration comes everyday for me, mostly from the encouragement of my biggest supporters, who are firstly my mother, my siblings Maryam, Abdul, Mohammed, Ibrahim and Jamila. Basically people dear to me. I get inspired everyday by people who come across my work. As the days go by my inspiration grows.
What theme(s) do your works mostly address?
At first it was just aesthetic, but lately I’ve done a few works that depict the beauty and strength in women. I plan to build on this.
Several of your works have striking elements of fashion embedded in them. What’s the idea behind this?
My passion for art can be traced to my love for fashion. As a little girl, I used to draw and paint ladies wearing all kinds of clothes with hopes of growing up to become a fashion designer. I still find a way to show that side of me in my art works.
Does the cost of an art piece define its quality?
I believe so. Quality is not just what a work looks like. There is more to it than that. A work could be size 20×20 and cost a lot because of the time and effort put into creating it. So yes, the cost defines the quality in most cases.
What is your dream project?
I had my first exhibition which was a group one on November 4th and that has influenced me. My dream project right now, to try to hold my own solo exhibitions, at least twice a year.
Professionally what is your goal?
My goal is to own my own gallery, expand my reputation to an international scale and build a strong professional relationship with renowned artists worldwide.
