artist profile

Necmeddin Okyay (1883-1976): The Man Who Knew a Thousand Arts (Part 1)

Necmeddin Okyay (1883-1976): The Man Who Knew a Thousand Arts (Part 1)

In his book, Outliers, pop psych writer Malcolm Gladwell said it takes approximately 10,000 hours of “deliberate practice” to achieve mastery in any field. Now this may or may not apply to every discipline, but in my opinion extended hours of practice is certainly needed in fields like art, music and sports. So, how long would it take to master roughly 16 different skills?

Calligraphy is Patience: Profile of Master Calligrapher Pablo Casado

Calligraphy is Patience: Profile of Master Calligrapher Pablo Casado

As Aristotle said, “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” Calligraphy is a discipline that requires both practice and patience. When I met my teacher, Khalid, exactly two years ago, the first thing I noticed about him was his great patience when writing calligraphy...

Calligraphy is Dedication: Profile of Master Calligrapher Nuria Garcia Masip

Calligraphy is Dedication: Profile of Master Calligrapher Nuria Garcia Masip

I remember once I burned my hand trying to put out a small fire a candle had caused near my work. The electricity had gone out and I was working by candle light. A paper towel caught on fire and I was so worried it would burn my meshk...

Life of Art: Profile of Artist Lubna Zahid

Life of Art: Profile of Artist Lubna Zahid

Inspiration can come from unexpected places. Like, Holland for example. Artist Lubna Zahid was always attracted to colors. She started painting at a young age. She has over 25 years of experience.  But, her love for art had a connection to, of all places, the Netherlands.

Practice is Everything: The North Star of Abbasid Calligraphy Yaqut al-Musta’simi (13th Century AD)

Practice is Everything: The North Star of Abbasid Calligraphy Yaqut al-Musta’simi (13th Century AD)

In the year 1258 when Baghdad was attacked by the Mongols, Yaqut al-Musta’simi took practice to the next level. As the Mongol horde attacked, Yaqut took refuge in a minaret within one of the Baghdad mosques to continue his strict regime of practicing calligraphy...

Calligraphy is Love: Profile of Master Calligrapher Elinor Aishah Holland

Calligraphy is Love: Profile of Master Calligrapher Elinor Aishah Holland

Art brings people together, and calligraphy is no different. I recently spoke to my teacher, Elinor Aishah Holland who talks about everything from her time in Istanbul to her advice for aspiring students.