“Creativity takes courage.” This Henri Matisse quote fits well with the disposition of architect Ghada Dwaik, who bravely embarked on two additional careers as an artist and as a yoga teacher. Dwaik impressed everyone at eniGma’s Covers Reimagined event last year, with her cover recreations of Mohamed Hadid, Amr Youssef, and Mohamed Hefzy. eniGma’s Farida Elserty caught up with her to find out more about her versatile career and how she manages it all. Here are some excerpts from the fascinating interview.
Let’s start with a brief overview of your education and career.
After graduating with a degree in architecture from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Helwan University, I worked in different fields. My last job before quitting corporate was as a product designer for almost three years at GEMMA, the leading manufacturer of high-end ceramic and porcelain tiles. Later, I started my own lighting company, GD Designs, for unique and innovative lighting pieces designed by me. I am also a co-founder of Dwaik’s Design House, which I started with my sister, where we customise furniture, art pieces, lighting, and also showcase products for other designers. 
How did your journey with art begin?
I have always loved art and anything related to it. After graduation, I started following my passion and was keen to learn everything about art. I worked in different fields related to art, which were also related to each other in one way or another. For instance, I worked as an architectural designer, a landscape designer, and a product designer. However, I always felt that there was something bigger and more important that I wanted to do. So, five years ago, I suddenly decided to quit my last job as a product designer at GEMMA, with no plans on what to do next, except to follow my passion.
How did you manage to make such a difficult decision?
Quitting my job with no plans in mind was tough on many levels. Nevertheless, I had to do it in order to reconnect with myself without feeling pressured. So, in search of inspiration, I started to rediscover my favourite places in Old Cairo. I fell in love with everything there, especially the old homes and their decor. In fact, the idea of GD Designs, which is an upcycling business, came from there. I started buying some pieces to do my own thing with them. When I made several pieces, I asked people around me for their feedback and was happily surprised at the amount of positive responses I received.
How have people reacted to your work?
Honestly, I don’t expect people to have a specific response to my work. However, it makes me super happy to see people debating my work and feeling connected to my art, even if their interaction is virtual.
How has being a yoga teacher impacted your art?
For me, yoga is a lifestyle. It is my way to connect with my body and soul, to find peace within myself, and to clear my mind from negative thoughts. Yoga has also helped me become more open to new ideas and projects. Moreover, as a yoga teacher I have a responsibility to inspire and help others find their own way through yoga.
In your opinion, what is common between yoga, architecture, and art?
In my opinion, the most important thing for any human being is the ability to express themself. In the end, I believe that the common thing between yoga, architecture, and art is that all of them are methods to express how we feel.
Tell us more about your design studios.
GD Designs was my start, and I feel like it is my baby. At GD Designs, we create artistic lighting from things that people wouldn’t give a second thought to. One of my favourite things about GD Designs is that I work with talented people. We share opportunities and push each other to be better. Later on, I launched Dwaik’s Design House with my sister. I love Dwaik’s Design House because it gives me a chance to design, work on creative projects, and even to explore other fields. 
What is the process you follow when creating artwork?
This question is hard to answer. Truthfully, I just go with the flow when it comes to art. I find the best process to follow when creating any artwork is to follow your heart.
What is your view about art’s contribution to society?
I find it beautiful that art always has a message–even if it isn’t clear to everyone. I believe that art helps people interact and build social relationships.
What does art mean to you and where do you find inspiration?
In my opinion, art is an emotional expression. I see art in everything around me. Communication is art. Silence is art. Love is art. Nature is art. Ultimately, art doesn’t have to be a beautiful painting or an exceptional sculpture, it can be something within your soul. I find inspiration in everything! Nonetheless, connecting with nature inspires me a lot. Nature has everything, and it’s perfect in its imperfection. It always has a message for my soul that inspires me to create and shine.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
The best way to deal with a creative block is to accept it. Struggling through creative blocks can be frustrating to many people, especially those whose jobs are built on being inventive. But no one can force creativity, so it is always better to step back and try different things. Personally, I find that using my hand to sketch has helped me overcome creative blocks. In the end, it is okay to have creative blocks because they will help you push forward.
Tell us about your experience with the eniGma event.
The eniGma event was one of the best experiences I ever had. When eniGma called me to be a part of its Covers Reimagined event, I was super happy. I believe that this event was a turning point in my visual art career. It also boosted my energy to work more.
What is your dream project?
I want to start a permanent lighting festival in Egypt, using the latest trends and techniques in the world. I also want to cooperate with paint companies in Egypt to renovate old Egyptian buildings in areas like Mansheyat Nasser. The main aim of this project would be to make the buildings more colourful while maintaining their unique architecture.