Innovative talent

Interior decorator, fashion designer and artist par excellence scarcely describes Laila Al Balushi. Recently arrived from Oman, this graduate from the New York School of Interior Design and Parson's School of Design has been quickly recruited by the Cultural Foundation Art Workshop. Currently teaching glass, silk and mirror painting, Laila's repertoire which boasts of much more, plans to introduce many different art forms in the coming months.

Using different techniques, Laila redefines the whole concept of painting on glass. Using sand, bits of glass and other material, she embellishes her work to perfection. Encouraged as a child by her extremely supportive parents, Laila took many classes before embarking on her U.S. odyssey.

Her undergraduate degree in Egyptian History from Cairo deeply influences her work. Persian art, the total cultural ambience of the Middle East and the brilliant colours of India also inspire her.

This tremendous combination is what she brings out in her silk paintings, which also abound with wild life. Miniature paintings of Islamic architecture, clothes and scarves are also part of her repertoire.

Her colour schemes cater to every taste, brilliant shades for the bold and the beautiful, and beautiful, subtle hues for the classically elegant. Laila's geometric designs on scarves (shaeelas) are mostly inspired by Egyptian art and hieroglyphics. She uses a mixture of chemical and natural dyes.

Innovation being the name of the game, she produces the most amazing shades from her kitchen using such things as onions, saffron and so on. Even Laila's abayas are special.

Her degree in fashion design helps her here and it comes as no surprise when she says that she still has loyal clients in Oman who allow no one else but Laila to design their clothes.

This long distance designing works quite well. She faxes her ideas to the tailor there and her clients get exactly what they want.

Specialising in abayas, bridal clothes and haute couture, Laila's dream is to open a boutique in Abu Dhabi. She also hopes to hold an exhibition of her artwork soon. Currently, glass and silk painting classes are on twice weekly.