Art, with its ethereal allure and boundless creativity, holds an enchanting power unlike any other. It surpasses mere brushstrokes or sculpted forms, weaving through emotions, stories and dreams.
There’s a unique magic in the act of creation, where the artist breathes life into the canvas or clay, infusing it with their essence and imagination.
Each stroke of the brush, each delicate carve, bears witness to the human spirit’s capacity to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Take for example Ainan Salsabeelaa, a 30-year-old full-time painter and illustrator, as well as owner of Petals and Palettes Art Studio.
EARLY INSPIRATION
Ainan’s artistic journey began at the tender age of nine, guided by her father, whose passion for painting stemmed from his work as a taxidermist/diorama artist at the Brunei Museum.
Reflecting on her academic years, Ainan shared, “Though my interest in art blossomed during high school, I opted for business management in college instead of pursuing art formally.” She believed that a foundation in business would complement her aspirations of opening her own art studio in the future.
Undeterred by this detour, she never ceased creating art, exploring various styles such as pop art and turning to YouTube for guidance. Despite minimal direction from her father, Ainan developed as an artist independently, simultaneously delving into calligraphy and watercolour.
Recognising market demand, she gradually built a business around these skills, refining her craft through workshops, pop-up events, and exhibitions.
In 2019, with unwavering support from family and friends, Ainan successfully realised her dream, opening her own art studio. Drawing from her previous experiences, she gained valuable insights into managing and expanding the business, while also honing her skills in conducting art sessions for all ages.
Fast forward two years, Ainan ventured into digital art, leveraging platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Surprisingly, she found herself undertaking corporate projects previously unimagined.
Despite her increasing focus on digital art, Ainan holds traditional arts close to her heart, envisioning continued exploration and mastery of additional art forms in the future.
ARTISTIC INSIGHT
Watercolour painting captivates Ainan, offering solace and inspiration. Its luminous transparency and fluid washes provide practicality and versatility, making it her preferred medium. Ainan’s creative process involves overcoming imaginative drawing challenges, often with the help of reference photos. Pinterest serves as her muse, offering a wealth of inspiration.
“I gravitate towards evoking nostalgia in my viewers, often incorporating elements from past events or current trends to foster relatability.
“My most productive creative moments occur after midnight when inspiration strikes.”
It is during those late nights that she sketches out ideas and conducts paint tests before committing to a final piece the next day.
When it comes to choosing subjects, Ainan bases her selections on her current creative inclinations or prevailing trends. She explained, “For exhibitions, I tailor my art to align with the specified theme.”
Her portfolio boasts a diverse range of subjects, ranging from portraits and food illustrations to botanical sketches, landscapes, and urban scenes.
Reflecting on a particular piece that holds special significance, Ainan shared, “Despite months of struggle, I persevered and achieved a sense of fulfilment upon its completion.”
This artwork marked a personal triumph, as it was among her first successful watercolour pieces following a workshop two years prior. Leveraging the skills acquired from that workshop, she feels immensely proud of the outcome.
Exhibited at the 2nd All Women Artists Art Exhibition in 2019 at Dermaga Diraja, it found a home with a British couple and now adorns their residence in the United Kingdom.
In her distinctive painting style, Ainan eschews explicit motifs or symbols, instead opting for a semi-detailed approach that captivates the eye. Splashes of vibrant colour punctuate her pieces, evoking a sense of dynamic energy and life.
Occasionally, she incorporates black outlines to accentuate specific details, adding depth and dimension to her creations. It’s this unique blend of spontaneity and precision that defines her artistic vision, inviting viewers into a world where creativity knows no bounds.
CREATIVE RESILIENCE
Creative blocks are a common obstacle encountered by artists on their creative journeys, and for Ainan, tackling this head-on is important through finding solace and inspiration in plein air painting sessions and collaborative endeavours with creative friends.
“One of the most memorable moments has to be when I had the opportunity to paint the windbreakers alongside 29 other artists at the Billionth Barrel Monument. Spending the entire weekend in Seria and making new friends made it an unforgettable experience,” recalled Ainan.
ART’S VITAL ROLE
Art, she reflected, plays a multifaceted role in contemporary society, resonating through various mediums to unite individuals across cultures.
“Art can profoundly influence people in a myriad of ways, showcasing how it unites individuals from diverse cultures through shared stories and expressions conveyed in various forms such as images, paintings, written words and even sounds.
This unity, she suggested, is not merely symbolic but also economically significant, as the creation, management, and distribution of art provide livelihoods for many.
“Design holds equal importance, aiding business owners in effectively marketing their products through visually appealing banners or social media pages.”
Indeed, without art, she contended that the world would lack great musicians and photographers, reminding us of the omnipresence of art in our daily lives, from radio broadcasts to billboards.
Furthermore, Ainan underscores the therapeutic aspect of art, explaining that for some individuals, engaging with or creating art serves as a coping mechanism for their mental health struggles. Art grants them the freedom to express thoughts they may find difficult to articulate verbally.
NAVIGATING ARTISTIC PATHS
For emerging local artists venturing into the same field, Ainan offers sage advice rooted in her own experiences.
“As cliché as it may sound,” she began, “I would emphasise the importance of ‘never giving up’ and persevering relentlessly.”
Encouraging aspiring artists to embark on their journeys with determination, she urges them to begin with small steps and savour every moment of the journey.
Drawing from her own growth, Ainan advises against comparing one’s art to others’, affirming that each person possesses their own unique style and identity.
“Embrace imperfections as part of your artistic journey and use them as opportunities for growth. Be open to constructive criticism and learn from it. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance, especially from seasoned artists. And lastly, foster collaboration whenever possible!” – Izah Azahari