Young Emirati woman artist uses creativity to boost business

Dubai: Shaikha Maisa Al Qasimi is a well-known Emirati artist in the field of painting and photography. Not only that, she has used her enterprising spirit and creative skills to establish a business.

Shaikha Maisa is the owner and buyer for Amzaan in Dubai's Wafi Mall, which stocks local Dubai-designed labels. Many Emiratis admire her strong will in pursuing her dreams and are proud to have her as an example.

She has just turned 30, and she earned a Bachelor's degree in Art, Graphic Design and Photography (BA) from the American University in Dubai (AUD). She also took various courses to experiment in different mediums at Central Saint Martins College of Art in London. She says such courses are of tremendous benefit in taking artists to the next level.

She considers herself a very modest, yet determined person.

"Well, when I have a dream or vision, I pursue it and bring it to reality. I have managed to establish myself within ten years through dedication and hard work. I also like to assist others in achieving their dreams," she told Gulf News.

Support

Shaikha Maisa emphasises the importance of support and learning and believes in order to be able to persuade others of your art and business acumen, you first have to prove it to yourself: and that comes through knowledge.

"When I look back at my beginnings, I undeniably remember the total support I received from my family. The Sharjah Government has for years been a strong supporter of the art and cultural scene and I had the opportunity to enrol in many courses that revolved around all the aspects of [the] arts."

Shaikha Maisa says since that time she has actively continued involving herself within the local art scene, which has gradually led to international participation and recognition.

"To be chosen by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to be a member of the executive committee of the Sharjah Businesswomen's Council, is the best recognition for me so far," Shaikha Maisa said.

She says multi-tasking has never been an issue for her. When my business needs me I am there and when I have the inspiration to paint or shoot a photo, I do it as well, she says.

Shaikha Maisa refers to time management and how to best utilise it in order not to restrict herself to one particular horizon. Instead she prioritises. For Shaikha Maisa, both her chosen disciplines are close to hear heart.

"Photography and painting are jointly close to my heart; I just cannot have a preference for one, as each has its unique aspects and characteristics that I admire enormously."

Art is a form of expression regardless of the medium or form, and its messages vary depending on the artist's state of mind and theme of work.

"The message I communicate through my work changes according to the influences and emotions in my life at the time. It's about where I am. For instance, a workpiece I showcased in Abu Dhabi earlier this year was created at a time where I had an affinity to the issue of women's empowerment. I used very feminine and soft lines, with a lot of contrasts to highlight the strength of a woman," she explained.

She is drawn to the lens of Man Ray: "Man Ray has been the biggest influence on me and I'm sure to many other artists as well."

Shaikha Maisa is currently preparing for her first solo exhibition, which is scheduled to take place in Doha in April 2010.

She shared a moving moment with Gulf News when ten photographers from the UAE were chosen to take photos with a Nokia mobile phone and the photographs were then auctioned for the benefit of Foresight, a UAE charity for the blind and visually impaired. "One of the women that was losing her sight saw my photograph and told me ‘I am so glad to be able to see this photograph before losing my vision'."

"My work actually received the highest bid, which was an achievement that I have always been proud of," she said.

She said she looks forward to being able to create work that inspires others, "especially the young generation, as I have enjoyed the times where I taught students photography at the Sharjah College of Art. Exhibiting on an international level will continue being a goal I would like to pursue, as it artistically helps to promote my country."