Multi-talented Mariam Roushdy always knew she wanted to be an artist. After graduating from the School of Fine Arts at university. Merging her two loves, design and art, she dabbled in the design world and eventually started her own design agency. eniGma’s Salma Mohamed sat down with her for a delightful conversation about her career trajectory. Here’s an excerpt of their chat.
How did your journey with art begin?
I had been drawing my whole life, basically since I was five years old. I used to draw and doodle in all my books and notebooks in school. In high school, I decided that I wanted to major in Fine Arts in college. I was rejected the first time I applied, but I didn’t give up and tried my hardest because this is the thing that I love the most. I was accepted the second time I applied, and my years of study were the best five years of my life. When I graduated, however, I honestly felt lost. I didn’t know what to do, because I had been used to the grind of art school. When I graduated I couldn’t understand the sudden change in my life. I eventually decided to go into a regular work environment and started working in design and kind of forgot about art. Even though design has some relation to art, it still wasn’t the same. It wasn’t giving me the satisfaction that art gave me. So, a few years later I decided to get back to art.
Can you tell us about your technique and style?
I honestly have a very simple technique; I don’t like to complicate art for myself. I can use one pencil or brush and come out with a full art piece because it’s all about the idea itself, and the way I approach its design. During college I didn’t really have my own style; I was still learning different styles and techniques and exploring what I like best. It was when I graduated that I found my style. Basically, it’s all about figures. My ideas usually begin with the figure of a woman, and then it’s completed with different lighting and colours, playing with illusion. Every painting has a story behind it. When people look at my painting, I hope it makes their minds wander, and every person will perceive it differently.
Which do you prefer, drawing or designing?
Drawing, of course. However, they both compliment and complete each other.
How has your experience been with showing your own art?
It has been surreal when people see my work and are like “wow, you did an incredible job!” I’m usually never fully satisfied with anything I do, and I worry that I could do better. Even when I see my paintings hanging, I feel like I could have done better by adding some more touches. But friends keep telling me that I’m wrong, and I’m just being too harsh on myself.
How was your experience with eniGma’s Covers Reimagined event?
I had so much fun that day. It’s one of the best days of my life. I felt seen, I felt like I was an important person. Being among all those incredible stars was so surreal. It was one of those moments where I felt that I’m truly proud of myself. I chose Jennifer Lopez’s cover, because I love her, and because my art is heavily reliant on women. I usually focus on the woman’s body and beauty in all my art pieces, so I thought that JLO was one of the best covers and one of my favourites.
Do you ever get creative blocks? How do you get over them?
Oh, all the time! All my paintings start off by me just sitting in front of an empty canvas telling myself “I can’t draw!” over and over. But I know that when I put my hand on it and start, even if it’s just a line, I will come out with a painting. So, experiencing creative block is a regular thing for me! But when I really feel a block, I usually just get up, and do anything else! When I get back to it, I can often finish it in an hour. All it takes is just to start. I don’t like to plan much, and just work everything out in my mind. But I must be in the right mindset when I start on a painting, I can’t just be put on the spot and come out with something right away. I must be in the mood.
What do you love most about being an artist?
Feeling different. There aren’t many artists in Egypt or generally, so I feel unique; that I have a talent most people don’t have. Also, I like that I notice things that others don’t see or focus on. I tend to notice the good in things, and when I see the bad, I want to make it better. Since I am a designer before being an artist, I like to merge both together, so they complement each other and don’t seem odd.
Are there any projects you’re currently working on?
Yes, I opened my own advertising agency over a year ago with my partner Mohab Mamdouh. Most advertising agencies are closing or not hiring. We didn’t like their guidelines anyway and didn’t want to be a part of them. So, we decided to start something that we’re both comfortable with. We’re both not traditional. We like being different and being unique. The idea was to have a full-fledged advertising agency under one roof, under one hut. Hence our company’s name, Hut Republic. It’s one of the things I care about the most right now, I really want to grow our company and focus on branching out and being a well-known advertising agency.
Do you have a dream project?
Yes, I do! One day I want to be the head artist of a hotel or resort. I want to do all the paintings for them, in the lobby, in the rooms, in the restaurant, and everywhere. I’m not sure how or where to start with this project, but I hope to be able to do it one day! 