Art, in all its forms—whether fine art, craft, or skill—is something we’re all born with. Creativity flows through human nature universally, yet only some are drawn deeply into it.
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| S A Shakeel |
In my case, it wasn’t just an interest in art but an early fascination that carried me forward. This passion became my life’s work, transforming me into a professional applied artist, a street painter, a creator of hoardings, murals, and signs on walls. As a school dropout, I found in art not only a way to earn a living but a way to feed my soul, my nafz. Art became more than a job; it became my voice, my source of expression, and my place of refuge.Painting, for me, was never simply work—it was a calling. It allowed me to express my inner world in ways words never could. Over time, I exhibited my art, sharing pieces of myself with the world. I started by painting my imaginative world—landscapes and abstract portraits not taken from reality but conjured up from within. Rather than replicating what I saw around me, I created scenes from my mind, exploring an emotional landscape that was uniquely my own. My brush brought out the landscapes that existed within me, and my colors formed abstract portraits that revealed fragments of my inner self.
As I matured as a person, I began to feel that the act of painting shaped my understanding of life itself. I owe much of this growth to art. The act of mixing colors—the reds, blues, and yellows that blend and transform on paper or wall—offered me a unique perspective on life. The colors in my hands—whether in watercolor, acrylic, or oil—gave me a sense of freedom and grounding that allowed me to see life beyond boundaries. Colors, after all, know no borders, no religions, no divisions. They possess a language of their own, a silent yet expressive way of connecting with others.
This language of color, unbound by words, creates a profound sense of belonging and humanity, reaching across all people. Through art, I’ve come to see society from a broad perspective. It has given me a vision that considers not only the beauty of life but the struggles, conflicts, and joys that define humanity. Art has granted me the freedom to meditate, to reflect, and to process my own pains and experiences. It is a sanctuary, a tool that enables me to release my emotions and make sense of the world.
But my journey has not been without its challenges. Over time, as my career progressed, I found myself becoming increasingly occupied with the business side of art. The demands of life required me to adapt as manual art transitioned to computer-based graphics, print media, and digital signage. As my work shifted from the physical brush to the digital screen, the format changed, but my feelings about art remained untouched. However, this shift meant that I was often too busy managing business demands to engage in the artistic exploration that had once defined me.
Living in Kashmir—a region marked by prolonged conflict—has meant that lockdowns were not a new concept. For over 30 years, we have experienced lockdowns of different forms, and these periods of restriction often kept me from painting. In the midst of uncertainty, survival became the focus, and there were times when art took a backseat as I coped with daily stresses. The need to stay alive in a volatile environment overshadowed my need for creative expression, and in the darkest periods, my brushes lay untouched.
Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic brought an unexpected change. While the entire world grappled with the unprecedented nature of global lockdowns, in Kashmir, we were already familiar with the concept of being confined to our homes. But during the pandemic, something shifted within me, something that had been dormant during the years of conflict-related lockdowns. In those early days of the COVID lockdown, without access to my usual tools, I turned to my mobile phone as a makeshift canvas. In the absence of traditional materials, the device became my first step back into the world of art. Slowly and gradually, as resources allowed, I returned to water and acrylic colors, finding my way back to painting on canvas.
In my view, art is not only a personal expression but also carries the weight of cultural identity. Every artist, in a sense, reflects their heritage and background in their work, whether consciously or unconsciously. Just as a musician’s melody can move hearts and touch lives, I believe my paintings are a means to share my story, my heritage, and my spirit with the world. My work reflects not only the colors and shapes of my imagination but also the complex realities of the place I call home. It is a testament to resilience, a record of the emotional landscapes I have navigated, and a quiet message to the world that speaks beyond sound or language.
Art communicates without words, offering a form of dialogue that requires no translation. Through my work, I aim to connect with others on a deeper level, reaching beyond the limitations of language or sound. My art is my voice, my unspoken story, a testament to my journey and my connection to something greater than myself. It is a language of belonging, a silent call that resonates with anyone willing to listen. Through art, I find a way to belong to a world that is often chaotic, divisive, and challenging. In my colors and brushstrokes, I find freedom—a space where I am both grounded and limitless, where I am able to bridge my personal experiences with the universal emotions we all share.
My journey as an artist has been one of transformation, resilience, and self-discovery. Art has been my constant companion, my silent language, and my way of processing both joy and pain. Through every landscape painted, every color mixed, and every line drawn, I’ve come to understand not only my own story but the shared humanity that connects us all. For me, art is not only a profession or a craft; it is a powerful force, a means of expression that transcends boundaries, carrying my voice, my heritage, and my dreams forward without the need for words.
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