Your Company Name: Al Jahra Hospital, Kuwait
Email Address/Web Page: rak@ncc.moc.kw
City & State: Riggai, Kuwait City
Type of Craft: Painting, Modelling
Tell us in your own words, how you discovered polymer clay and how long have you been using it?
AHamlyns toy shop in London 3 years ago.
Are there any special artists that you can attribute your interest to or that have inspired you?
Jeanne's gallery.
What is your specialty?
Pediatrician.
Can you tell us why you find polymer clay the expressive medium for you?
Versatile, simple to use and attractive colors.
Have you published any polymer clay books or do you have any in the works?
No.
I know it is very difficult to express, but have you won any awards for your polymer clay work?
No.
What are your expectations for the future? Where do you hope to be 5 years from now?
Planning to host an exhibition of my paintings, models and
Jewelry.
Do you have any advice for the beginning polymer clay enthusiasts?
Just enjoy yourself and keep experimenting.
Are you a member of any Polymer Clay group,or any other craft
organization?
No.
What brands of polymer clay do you prefer and why?
Fimo -too firm needs a lot of conditioning.
Sculpey 111- too soft.
Formello - the right consistency. None are available in the Kuwait.
Last and most important can you tell us all about you? Your family, your
training?
Hi Folks. Let me introduce myself as a pediatrician by
profession but my passion has been arts & crafts since childhood. I have
been creative for a long time and have always been dabbling with paints,or
modelling but it had been considered a useless talent during my time in
Madras, India . It was quite understandable as there were not many career
options available at that time hence not much importance was given to art.
But the love of nature and appreciation of color is inherent. Being able to
draw or to represent 3 dimensions in two is one of the great pleasures of
life. It is a challenge which should be taken up . Some people are born
with or can be easily acquired with little bit of learning. The impressions
received by the formative mind is very important and helps to shape your
attitudes and reactions to life. I realized I had the talent but it
remained dormant in me for along time until I came to Kuwait.My doodling
and dabbing were really appreciated.
With the encouragement of my husband & friends, my capablities were reawakened. Moreover, the abundance of mediums & materials available in Kuwait have provided a great incentive for exploring my potentials.
The choice of medium was influenced by simplicity. With silk painting did not require too much space and was easier to clean, so I first started experimenting with it.The thrill of colors flowing and mingling in front of your eyes. This medium was chosen because of simplicity & utility value. I was able to create dupattas, blouses, shirts etc., which were exhibited at a fashion show held at the Indian Arts Circle. It was so well appreciated that I took time off to teach the different techniques of silk painting to my friends and together we have created furnishing like lampshades cushions & wall hangings.
The art of stained glass has always fascinated me but the process is very difficult requiring specialized material. Painting on glass has produced similar results. I have produced a collection stained glass images as candleholders and suncatchers.
At present, I have discovered the joy of modeling with polymer clay, which gives you ability to mould color with your hands as you create designer jewelry & miniature sculptures. The jewelry collection, which I have made, is the in-thing with to-days casual wear.
In between modeling, I have always had time to paint with watercolors, pastels & charcoal. Along with my other works of art, I am planning to display them in an exhibition in the near future. I hope I can share my joy & passion for art as well as get my peer evaluation of my work.
At Kalakriti, a childrens art club, the younger generation was targeted to share my artistic experiences. In an informal atmosphere, the children enjoy themselves with splashing about in paints on pots, glass & fabrics. Subsequently they progressed on to making models with versatile materials available at home. Common objects like wastepaper, flour & bread were used to create personalized gifts, objects of utility or jewelry. They were left alone to be guided by their imagination & some masterpieces have been produced.
Apart from my artistic endeavors, I have also organized the much acclaimed dance competition held at the Indian Embassy. I was also the judge at the painting & quiz competition at the Indian Sports & Cultural Organization. In future, I have plans for entering the fields of Dramatics and other fields of art.
Finally, Parents of young people should understand the importance of art and should always strive to expand a child's horizons by providing opportunities to exploit their creative talents. Those talents which have been lying dormant under the stresses and strains of academic persuits. It would be so wonderful ,rewarding and so natural if childhood fascinations can develop into a career which is more closer to there passions. Thank you.
