Dr Elwin Buchel,
Abu Dhabi-based consultant gastroenterologist and artist
I'd prefer not to mention the name of the hospital I work in. After all, would you like to be treated by a doctor who paints like this?
My wife, Sjann, agreed to let me have half of the living room for my work. I couldn't bear to be stuck away in one of the bedrooms, I have to be in the hub of the house.
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[I came to the UAE in 1999, leaving Pretoria, South Africa.] It took time to adapt to living and working in the Middle East and being away from my family in South Africa. So when I first arrived and with the challenges ahead I saw very little colour; I saw my environment in shades of grey.
During my first six months here I didn't paint much; I just did a few sketches. But a person needs an outlet. Anxiety diminishes creative thought, but you have to adapt – life is stressful and there will always be anxious moments.
Once I began to settle in, however, I started recognising the painting opportunities that my new home provided. I took my sketchbook to the Corniche and drew what I saw – clusters of people walking, talking, or leaning against the railing and enjoying the sea view.
My sketches then became the images in my paintings. The people in a picture, together with my style of painting style and the strong colours I like to use, create a happy atmosphere. When I'm told that a work conveys a sense of joy, I know I have succeeded.
Both Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have stunning harbours. I have spent many pleasant weekends sketching at the Sharjah harbour. So harbours as well as the traditional-style buildings have become regular backdrops in my paintings. I also like the Dubai Creek, the water taxis and the buildings which front onto the water are enchanting because you can really feel the energy of the place.
Other people may like to play golf to relax; I prefer to paint.
Painting takes more concentration than people realise and you need to do it as often as possible if you want to develop your ability. Creativity thrives on being utilised. The more you draw from the well of creativity, the more it will bring forth.
Conversely, if you only paint occasionally then you're less likely to develop your style and technique. In effect, if you want to do something well, arrange your life around whatever that passion is. I have three passions – first is my family, then medicine and then art.
The medium I use affects how I paint.
When I use acrylics, my paintings are usually very busy, full of figures playing soccer or cricket, skiing, ice skating, surfing, picnicking or sitting around and relaxing. My pictures don't have a message. There is no angst or pain in them.
The colours create an atmosphere and each bit of colour contributes to the overall effect, much like an instrument in an orchestra. [Actually, a painting can be described as a visual symphony.] When I use oil paint, my paintings are less figurative, still colourful, but more expressionistic, especially the landscapes.
The Middle Eastern landscape is not limiting.
The UAE may be a desert land but each of the emirates has its own artistic appeal – Abu Dhabi has the corniche and the harbour; Dubai the creek and the water taxis; Sharjah the dhow harbour and the restored buildings.
In Ajman there are the endless beaches and the corniche.
Ras Al Khaimah has mountains and Fujairah has just about everything.
Then there are the ... cafes, sports activities, the malls – all these offer opportunities for artistic interpretation.
My fascination with the Middle East started 30 years ago when I spent a month travelling to Beirut, Damascus, Kuwait, Baghdad, Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz. There are unlimited possibilities [for painting in the UAE] and I could never exhaust all my subjects.
Take, for example, the actions of people. I would like to paint sports activities in order to capture the energy and movement. I have yet to explore all the UAE's cityscapes: the souqs, malls, beaches and restaurants.
My paintings are figurative, so opportunities for new interpretations of old themes abound. The more you paint the environment you live in, the more it gives back to you.
Living in the UAE does not leave you unchanged. The expatriate life requires a person to be adaptable. My first priority is my work. I'm preoccupied with my patients' well-being.
I no longer have that rushed 'I have to finish it now' feeling when I paint.
Instead, I tell myself that I'll finish the painting when I can. But, to maintain my painting discipline, I then start a new picture. Most paintings need to be left to stand a bit – in that time your subconscious dwells on the picture, solving problems and coming up with new ideas. I never sign a work until I'm satisfied with it. I used to depend on my art for extra income. Now it's 'art for art's sake'.
- Buchel's works have been exhibited at the Ghaf Gallery, Abu Dhabi. To check out ongoing exhibitions at the gallery, go to www.ghafgallery.com
