15 Apr My story in art: a lesson to learn and a message to convey

I will share my story with you for two reasons, the first is to get to know me better and the second is to convey a precious message to every one interested in art whether gifted or not.
During my early years of life I was attracted to colors and shapes. I spent a lot of time in my own world of fantasy where I draw and imagined beautiful tales, it was a world of joy and cheerful colors. I only came to realize that I am gifted when I was 4 years old. That day I draw the known cartoon character “Sindbad”. I showed it to my mother who was unexpectedly stunned, so did my father and my elder siblings. I felt so proud of myself and I continued to receive lots of support and encouragement.

Throughout the years I spent in school I dreamed of becoming an artist, I felt that it was the profession that would make me happy. I was simultaneously a high achiever in other school subjects and that what had driven my colleagues and teachers to ask me repeatedly this question: what do you want to be when you grow up?
And my answer was always: an artist!
Upon completing my high school I had to make a difficult decision that would determine my future. I loved both art and science!
My parents chose not to interfere at all in influencing my decision. They kept saying: We trust your decision no matter what you choose.
I had to make a tough decision favoring my pragmatic view of living in a hard world I decided to study medicine!
But I kept a promise to the artist in me that I will do my best to continue developing my artistic skills.
Many years had passed and I successfully completed two medical specialties, which I truly enjoyed.

Despite leading a wonderful career, the artist in me kept on nagging!
I had to deal with the unpleasant feeling of unfulfillment. I soon started establishing my family and my motherhood had drastically silenced that nagging voice at least for a while.
You know that guilty feeling of having a good career but you still feel there is something missing? I am so grateful to God for blessing me with a good job and a supportive family but the inner voice kept on echoing urging me to seek a career in fine art!
I used to sneak to paint when my children go to bed. During the short periods between my patients’ consultations in my busy clinic I would read art articles and painting lessons. I impatiently waited until my youngest child turned two and decided to seriously get involved in art. I finally unleashed the art beast and let it express itself.
I was of course influenced by my scientific background in terms of seeking the best available resources to get the needed basic knowledge and the different art techniques to strengthen my skills. I had to take a systematic approach that had proven to be successful in order to minimize unforeseen losses or rejection.
I displayed my paintings on one of the international online print-on-demand artists’ websites just to test the audience’s recognition of my style. I did have a great positive response and appreciation plus a decent number of sales.
That was the green light to start showing my artwork locally and regionally. I have expanded my activities to include art workshops, art lessons, commissioned art, international gallery representations and much more!
I also paid attention to the importance of getting to know and apply marketing strategies as means to achieve wide spread and sales. (To read more: 10 steps to promote your art online)
The lesson I have learned and the message I want to convey to you, is if God has blessed you with a talent, invest in it and develop it, no matter how old or young you are. If you are a housewife, a working woman, an engineer, a doctor, a truck driver, or a clerk, no matter what you do, opportunities are always there,, it’s never too late!!
Life is good; releasing your talents will make it even better. Take the move and start making art!!

Best wishes
Amani