Interview: Manal Deeb
This is an interview between Creative Room 4 Talk and artist Manal Deeb.
Where do you live: Fairfax, Virginia, USA
Known for: Mixed media visual arts
Currently working as:
Resident artist in the Workhouse Arts Center
When did you realize that you were going to work with this/in this area?
Since I was a kid I used to draw cartoon characters everywhere on walls and paper.
If you could choose one place only to live, where would that be and why?
Ramallah, Palestine, since all my childhood memories are there.
How would you describe your creativity?
I believe my creativity resides in the mix of images, painting, drawing, real pieces (such as wood) and other forms into a single artwork that creates emotions to the viewers.
How and when did you start to work with this in a serious manner?
I have been seriously doing art all my life. I took the more serious route into the exposing my art to the public about six years ago (2009), right after I had my third and last child.
What do you do at the moment?
I am currently a resident artist with my own studio at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, USA. I am currently working on a very interesting project of producing artwork from the reading of Gibran Khalil Gibran book “The Profit”.
A recommendation for those who think about starting and running a creative business?
Follow your own inquisitiveness and always trust the originality of your creativity.
Tell us how it all started.
As an artist, I produced art since I was a kid. Nevertheless, it all came together when my husband started encouraging me to show my art to the public. I first doubted my artwork, but when I saw the acceptance and the surprising admiration, I took it further into self motivation to produce more work. It honestly was a self therapy journey and it continues to be.
What is the most important thing in a workplace/studio for you?
I admire my studio for the physical space it provides me to produce larger art pieces, which also gives me the opportunity to aggressively experiment with mixed media tools.
What is your favorite film?
Most recently, “The Intern” since it reveals ambition and courage with modesty in a lifestyle that I admire.
Who would you like to invite for a dinner and why?
Aristotle since I admire and enjoy life matters analysis from a philosopher side. My mind always questions and analyzes the meaning of life. With Aristotle, I will enjoy hearing his view of life values and the existence of humanity. I would then like to bring him up to date on our current events and the challenges we face on earth right now. It will be very I interesting to apprehend how he will reflect his philosophies from a different vision into our so-called modern life.
How do you like to spoil yourself?
Traveling and exploring new places.
What is luxury for you?
Peace and quietness.
What is the nicest compliment you’ve received for your creative work, and from whom?
A review article published by Mark Jenkins in the Washington Post as a result of his visit to my exhibit “Defaced yet Alluring” in which he described me and my artwork as “All these (artworks) and more, Manal suggets, creates herself”.
What do you fear most?
Anxiety about the future.
What is a happy life to you?
No worries about my three girls.
What does a regular day look like for you?
Starting with my daily chores as a mom, then work on my artwork by middle of the day, then be with the family in evenings, and then exercising and reading books at night.
Tell us about your dream project.
Establish a dynamic and engaging art project for the children, especially children that are refugees and/or victims of wars, in general.
Who is your professional role model/inspiration?
The Spanish artist Salvador Dali with his way of art invention.
How would you describe your work style (academic field or fashion style, or both, or something entirely different)?
The mix between Art and Psychology in every art piece. Uplifting the psychology of myself and females/women to thrive in their paths and to accomplish what they desire freely.
Which is the one thing you can’t live without?
My family’s love and support.
What inspires you?
Generally speaking, poetry touches me. From the Arabic side, poetry that brings back memories from my childhood or from my homeland Palestine are of extreme impact on my emotions. On the Western side, poetry that shows humanity touch and purity and love encourages my feelings to produce art. In both cases, a touching poetry mixed with imagination and natural soul beauty will touch me as an artist and will make my art more meaningful.
A book that has changed/made the most impression in your life?
The holy book Quran since it provided, provides and will always provide me with peace and strength at the same time.
Source: creativeroom4talk.com