I am thrilled to share my latest Artist Spotlight Series feature.

This abstract artist was found via Instagram. Be sure to follow her HERE.

Enjoy getting to know

Amira Rahim 

Cedar Grove, New Jersey

 What is your training?

I have been receive art training since I was a kid. I spent time in high school doing after school art courses at a local college through a non-profit program for arts in the city. In college, I set out to get a minor in studio arts, so I took courses in painting, drawing, and art history. But I still consider myself “self-taught” because the bulk of my style and learning took place in the past 5 years through trial and experimentation in the studio. I often think about what life would have been like had I majored in art, but ultimately, I’m happy to have taken the path that I did. Art was always something I did intuitively from childhood so I don’t have a lot of fear around creating now in my late 20s. It’s freeing.

 

What inspires you and your designs?

At the moment, I am mostly inspired by how color can lift our moods and improve our states psychologically and physiologically. I am my own test subject because I often create my brightest works of art when I’m feeling a bit sad or low energy, through using bright and vibrant color palettes, I find that my vibrations are raised and I’m feeling much more optimistic. I am also inspired by emotion, the human experience, and vulnerability. I think abstract art is very raw. To create a successful piece is obviously subject to different opinions, but I love how people can access it from a gut-level without any rhyme or reason behind it. The artist truly reveals their soul on the canvas and abstract art is no exception.

 

What is your favorite piece?

This is a tough one. It’s always changing for me. My favorite at the moment is probably “Vernazza”. It was a serious look at creating an abstract landscape and I love how ethereal it feels. I used a different range of colors and the execution was a bit outside of my comfort zone. And yet, it invokes a sense of place and wanderlust when I look at it.

 

How has the your area influenced your work? 

I am always inspired by my surroundings. I think we all are. I used to live in the United Arab Emirates for 3 years and the terrain is very washed out. I literally craved color and so I create the art that I wanted to have in my own life. The colors were very loud, lots of fluorescents, lots of tension. Now that I am back in my hometown in New Jersey, I am falling in love with nature all over again. Trees, trails in the woods, cloud patterns, everything is inspiring me and I am creating work that feels more connected to the earth. I’m enjoying the process very much.

 

What is your favorite restaurant in your area?

I love this little spot called “Uncle Momo’s” in Montclair. It’s a French/Moroccan fusion restaurant and the food is impeccable. 

 

What is your favorite cocktail?

Virgin mojito

 

How do you balance personal life and work?

I don’t. I think balance is a myth. I strive 

 

 Dream trip?

Morocco. I’d love to go and soak up all the colors there.

 

Dream commission?

I would love to be commissioned to create art in a public space. 

 

Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?

I love gifting candles or anything with a nice fragrance.

 

Who is your style icon?

Sade

 

Your favorite up and coming artist?

I really like el Seed. I’m so inspired by what he’s doing and the impact he is making both globally and on a local level in neighborhoods in the Middle East. He’s a living legend in my opinion.

 

What is your most treasured possession?

That’s a tough one. This is strange but I guess it would be my passport. I have so many visas and stamps from excursions to 15 countries at this point and it just reminds me to be brave and trust my heart no matter what. 

 

What are you reading?

F*ck Feelings – it’s a book written by a father-daughter, both shrinks, with a practical look at most of life’s problems. It was super funny to read and made me realize I’m not a freak or weirdo, I’m just a human being.

 

What are you listening to?

Solange’s new album is currently everything I need in music and more.

What are your favorite blogs / publications?

I love reading posts from blogs like Design Sponge,

AphroChic, MuslimGirl.net, Design Mom, and A Practical Wedding.

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Look at Amira’s lovely originals in her portfolio:

Follow Amira on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter too.

 Last week was Melissa Herrington be sure to check out her spotlight.

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