Zahra Abdulameer
My name is Zahra, and this is my art journey. I’m a 3rd-year sociology student at CU, hoping to serve immigrants and refugees in the future. I’m fairly social and extroverted, but somethings I’ve learned can be captured through art.
I never really realized this, but looking back, I’ve gravitated continuously towards art related classes in middle and high school. And the art museum was always my favorite school trip.
For the longest time, I’ve stuck to drawing because it was easier to control, but when high school came around, I decided to paint my first ever painting—I’ve been fascinated with it ever since.
I’ve been exploring different mediums and art styles and seeing what works best for me. So far, acrylic/oil and portraits are my favorite.
The reason I got into art in the first place was because of my dad. He and his friend had a painting business back in Iraq where he would make canvases, and his friend would paint them. He would paint faces and places in the Middle East to showcase the beauty that lies in that region. Their work inspired me. The richness of the culture and the beauty of the people reminded me of home, so I try to showcase that in my art for others to enjoy as well.
Art, in general, has always been an escape for me. It’s a space where I can imagine any face and place and put it on a canvas. I’ve gotten lost in it multiple times, often painting for 6 hours+ without realizing it. I think that’s what I enjoy the most about it. There is a freedom to it that I can’t put my finger on. I don’t have a set schedule for new pieces; they happen whenever I’m inspired or need an escape.
Although I’m a long way from this, I hope to one day have a full collection dedicated to showcasing my homeland’s culture and continue improving my skill. Painting is an art form I never want to lose, and I’m excited to see what pieces I’ll make next in my art journey.
You can find Zahra’s work on her art account. To find her personally, she is on Instagram and Twitter.