Can you describe your artistic journey and what inspired you to pursue a degree in art school, specifically focusing on colorful and whimsical animal portraits?
According to my parents I’ve been holding a pencil since I was nine months old, so it’s safe to say it became a part of me much like a body part and it’s all history from there. I can’t function without creating so I can’t really map out where it all began in terms of art because art has just always been there. Art was all I knew and was my calling from a very young age and so it was a no brainer that I pursued it professionally too.
What draws you to the theme of animals in your artwork? Is there a particular message or emotion you aim to convey through your paintings?
The pet portrait series is more of a passion project which has nothing to do with my art degree. It began as a desperate attempt at change for the animals of this country in 2020, after I saw a horrible count by the ACF foundation where most of their rescue babies were poisoned in the most inhumane way possible. I felt helpless and used what I had (my art) to raise money for rescues. I didn’t know l’d find so many like-minded people and beautiful animals in taking on this project. At the end of the day my pet portrait series comes down to showing people that animals have unique personalities and feelings. Most people see animals as being one just like the other but I don’t think that’s true at all.
What artists or art movements have influenced your style, especially in relation to your use of color and whimsy in your artwork?
Constant inspirations for me have been Disney Cartoons and my brother who is also an artist, Sachal Rizvi. Disney you can imagine with it’s dreamscapes and surreal animations has always been something that has unknowingly found it’s way in my work. My brother works with city scapes which seem surreal and very organically drawn, I’ve found myself closely observing his mark making and that has also found its way in my work. As for the colours I use, I just really love blue and pink so every piece begins and ends with these two colours.
Can you share any experiences or challenges you’ve encountered in your artistic journey, and how you’ve overcome them to continue developing your unique style?
I’ve faced horrible slumps of demotivating and giving up my art because of my own history with abuse and mental health. I find it helps to remind yourself to keep creating no matter what life throws at you and to give yourself space to sit and breathe on days you can’t create. Being kind to myself when it comes to bad days and not being able to create has helped a lot.
What are your aspirations and goals for your art career after completing your degree? How do you envision your work evolving in the future, both in terms of subject matter and style?
I am experimenting with a bunch of mediums right now but I feel T be to truly experiment the way l’d want to when I’m free of academic requirements and for future Rameen I hope she’s creating art that makes a difference and helps amplify the voices of those who need it, be it animals or humans.
