Afshan Khan
What first inspired you to try art?
My very first piece of art was created to practice mindfulness to help me with postpartum depression. My doctor had suggested that I should adopt a hobby. I never knew that this new hobby would turn into my passion. As I made more art, it inspired me to create more.
Was there ever a moment you wanted to quit art all together, and if so what brought passion and inspiration back?
Actually, to be honest, I love creating art and haven't had any roadblocks. However, there has been times of inactivity and I've noticed that for myself, the feeling of accomplishment that I get after finishing a painting gives me a lot of motivation to create more and diverse pieces.
Have you gone to art school or are you self taught? If you’re self taught what resources or exercises did you use to learn?
My educational background is in business and science :) I am happy to be a self taught artist as I've noticed that my mind doesn't know any rules so where I may not be quite accurate with the colour wheel and other things, I am enjoying the process of learning from experience. I used "YouTube" quite extensively in the beginning and did lots of paint along videos. If you'd like to try a new technique, just check it out on google and you'd be surprised to learn so many new things. The best learning will come from experience.
What is the most challenging part about being an artist for you? How did you overcome that challenge?
I am kind of a perfectionist which I had to leave aside and allow myself to make mistakes be able to enjoy the process and relax. Also, in the beginning, I compared my art to other artists' work but slowly learnt that it is much better to develop your own style and by the way that also keeps changing or evolving :) believing in yourself is the best favour for any self taught artist.
What does art mean to you?
Art is very important and meaningful to me as it has allowed me to be my best self and think freely. I feel much happier and at peace with myself.
What would you recommend to new artists trying to build a career? What are the keys to success?
Never give up on your dreams, take critique from loved ones with courage and positivity. The key to success is keep learning and evolving, Apply, apply and apply for opportunities. Be bold to try different mediums and techniques. Do what makes you happy and enjoy the process. Fun is in the process of reaching your goals.
What would you go back and tell your younger artistic self if you could?
Just relax and enjoy the process; make meaningful connections with your art community and try to stay focused on your goals.
Where do you see yourself in the future? What are some of your goals?
I would like to get more exposure and be able to share my love of art and colours with a large number of audiences. One of my most cherished goals is to have my own gallery and be able to provide a platform where I can help new artists, perhaps do some informal art classes where it would be easier to accept new challenges and experience the beauty of the process.
What drives the inspiration in your paintings? How would you describe your style?
I get inspired by going on morning/evening walks, enjoying sunsets and sunrises. I also love to go on long drives to observe the beauty and colours of nature. Nature is the best artist at play: the colours and layers of clouds, changing seasons, falling leaves of fall and shining snow in the moonlight are all so inspirational. My style is somewhere in between, realism and Impressionism with a touch of abstract art:) I love textures; hence, most of my work is made using palette knife. I love being prolific, it gives me a lot of experience in a shorter period of time.
Instagram: @artby_afshan