We recently caught up with the talented artist Shubnum Shaik who turned to painting as a means of comfort from the painful loss of her father
Who is Shubnum Shaikh?
I live in Umhlanga with my family and am a devoted mother to four children and a wife to my chartered accountant husband. Married for 22 years, l have lived a fortunate life, taking care of my home and family. I have sacrificed a career in fashion design to be with my family and it has paid off. I was very content with my role as a mother, but as my children started to get older I realised that I wanted more out of life. With the fashion industry in South Africa on a serious decline l knew that going back to my old profession was not a good idea, so I started to search for something to fulfil my creative spirit.
A few years ago a painful set of events turned me to painting. It was when I lost my dad I found myself in a dark place surrounded by the memories of my loving father that I started to paint. In the midst of my grief something inside me urged me to start painting. I went out and bought paint, brushes and a canvas. It felt so natural and l picked up on the technique without much effort. l could not believe how easy it was to create perfect images on canvas. l never had any formal art training but everyone who saw my paintings was amazed at my raw talent.
How would you describe you painting style?
The first thing that strikes you about my paintings is the intricate use of rich colours and textures which I have the innate ability to combine and create unique exquisite master pieces that seduce the viewer. Painting to me personifies visual poetry, music and a form of meditation. I love to create three dimensional contemporary art pieces that awaken the inner senses. I share my thoughts and expressions through my art and exemplify the beauty of God in my painting. Being a hopeless romantic I create inspirational artwork that focuses on love and emotional happiness.
What is your favourite medium?
I love working with textured paint combined with mixed mediums, acrylic being my favourite, creating abstract expressionist art.
Where do you sell your work?
I sell my work at art gallery exhibitions and am currently exhibiting at the Polokwane Art Gallery in Limpopo. I participate in the wine evenings at Musgrave Shopping Centre, where I used to run art workshops that were in conjunction with the KZN Department of Arts and Culture. I also take on commission work from the general public. I also have a website.
Tell us about the tools of your trade
I use canvasses, paints, paint brushes, water, paper towels and most of all a very vivid imagination to create my master pieces.
Advice for young artists in SA
Make mistakes and explore the opportunities they offer, take the time to visit art galleries and spend time observing art and join art groups where you can explore your creativity.
Your favourite artist
I don’t have any particular favourite artist as I am unique and would not like to be influenced and end up walking in their shadow.
Who inspires you?
My family’s creative roots run deep. My maternal grandfather, Yusuf Kathrada, was a well known poet, sketch artist, cartoonist, song writer, and painter specialising in portraits.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
The best piece of advice I have received is that human beings are invincible and “don’t be afraid to give yourself everything that you have ever wanted to give yourself”. Believe in yourself and follow your passion as without passion you don’t have energy, without energy you have nothing. Nothing great in this world has been accomplished without passion and persistence.
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