For those familiar with my journey, be it through longstanding connections or those who have known me for a considerable time, you likely recall my deep-rooted upbringing in Christianity. From my earliest years, I embraced this faith passionately, serving as a missionary and even forming a rather large prayer group during my childhood.

Spirituality has undeniably been a fundamental aspect of my identity. However, a pivotal moment happened in 2001 when I made the conscious decision to step away from Christianity. My motivation stemmed from a belief that my peers, unfortunately, lacked the open-mindedness that I felt essential.

Fast forward to 2016, a year marked by an important milestone in my life as I embraced Islam when I got married. This decision was driven by a desire to fortify my family unit and establish a solid spiritual foundation for my future kids.

While my approach to understanding the world around me has transcended the confines of organized religion, my unwavering life-long devotion lies in the realm of art. Art over time has become my true north, serving as a sacred means of communication with the divine. 

It lets me to express myself authentically, attune my senses to the world, actively listen, and confidently take the lead. Such a profound commitment to my artistic path has inspired me to create a manifesto, encapsulating the guiding principles of my artistically inclined spiritual journey.

This is a living document and one that I hope will inspire other artists to dig deep into their practice, not only creating but sharing their work and encouraging others to do so as well.  

Art As a Guiding Principle, A Manifesto

A Great Awakening

In the realm of artistic expression, genuine establishment surpasses the realm of mere recognition bestowed by mega galleries or the pursuit of sales.

It manifests as a profound awakening, where art, akin to a benevolent force, unveils itself to the artist, rather than the artist tirelessly seeking inspiration stroke by stroke.

This revelation happens when the creative process becomes a guiding force propelling one toward an inevitable tipping point of self-discovery.

To unlock the transformative power of art, one must remain in a perpetual state of action, continuously creating and questioning, "How can I infuse this experience with artistic essence?"

It is through this unwavering commitment to artistic practice that the serendipitous encounter with art becomes possible.

By immersing oneself in the act of creation, art seeks its true devotee, finding solace in the earnest pursuit of artistic expression.

Transformational  Interludes

To comprehend the essence of this artistic journey, one must acknowledge that art does not cease when the brush is laid aside.

It is during the interludes, the intervals between artistic creation, where the soul engages in a sacred quest for knowledge and understanding.

This is a time of profound research, where listening supersedes speaking, where introspection and absorption become paramount in the quest for artistic truth.

This includes sitting with our emotions even when they are uncomfortable, without buffering.

Art transcends boundaries; it permeates every facet of our existence, seamlessly interwoven into the tapestry of everyday life. As artists, we embrace this reality as a solemn service to our communities.

Art, in its purest form, becomes our religion, a conduit through which we connect with the very act of creation.

It is through art that we unravel the intricacies of the world around us, shedding light on its mysteries, and illuminating the hidden threads that bind us all.

A Universal Language

Art becomes our universal language, surpassing linguistic barriers and cultural divides.

It is through our creations that we forge profound connections with others, fostering empathy, understanding, and shared experiences.

Each stroke, each expression, is an invitation for others to embark on a transformative journey, to glimpse the world through our unique lens.