10 Questions with Siham El Kandoussi

Siham El Kandoussi is an abstract painter born in Morocco in 1980, and residing in Kuwait since 2008. Having experimented with many methods and mediums, she has used acrylic, oil, and mixed media on canvas and paper since 2019 to create works drawn from reality to abstracted diversity.

She holds a university degree in "agri-business" from the University Caddi Ayyad in Marrakesh, aviation courses and qualifications in Kuwait, and certificates in "Postwar abstract painting: In the Studio," "Modern arts and ideas," and "Seeing through photographs" from the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and a certificate in healing with arts from the University of Florida.

This diversity has a strong influence on her artwork, and she creates paintings that can make you feel free and fly to our planet in a lovely way.

sihamsart.gallery | @sihamsartcreations

Dancing roses, Acrylic on canvas, 42×30 cm, 2022 © Siham El Kandoussi

ARTIST STATEMENT

“Art is a wonderful source of delight for all humans, and I am thinking of that pleasure, hope, and all the lovely colors that I can draw on people's faces via it.
As a globe wanderer, I am moved and inspired by the beauty of life, the people and creatures who cross my path, the stars and galaxies in the sky, the movements, colors, scents, sounds, and everything else that stimulates all of my senses. I translate this beauty through my works by using a wide variety of colors and techniques, mainly oil, acrylic, and mixed media on canvas and paper.
The nicest part about my style is that it is distinctively mine. It features vibrant colors in abstract pieces of art aimed to inspire people who wish to visualize their dreams becoming a reality and create their own narrative in it.” - Siham El Kandoussi

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Cultured, curious, and mysterious, that's how I describe myself;

How did you start experimenting with images?

Having a curious personality besides my passion for learning and experimenting with new things, painting was one of the skills that I wanted to acquire. So I took courses to learn about arts and their techniques and started painting. That's how this beautiful journey began.

Una cosa del genere, Acrylic on canvas, 42×30 cm, 2022 © Siham El Kandoussi

Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? What is your artistic routine when working?

Believing that creation doesn't have rules, limits, or boundaries. I consider using every tool my hands fall on, from regular painting items such as palette knives and brushes to irregular tools such as kitchen utensils, combs, sponges, and other things. My only creating routine is putting music on and starting dancing to the rhythm of the beautiful feelings and pleasure using myriads of colors on a plain board.

How do you plan your artwork, and how do you choose what to paint?

Unless it is a commissioned artwork, which requires me to collect information and have the full vision of the art collector to achieve his expectations and please his eyes and soul, usually I don't plan what I will paint or choose the colors. I just allow my feelings to come out through my hands and my body gestures.

What are your main sources of inspiration?

My main source of inspiration is my love for people and the world. I do want to make a difference and add something beautiful by creating artworks that will spread joy, happiness, positive energy, and add warmth to the hearts.

What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?

My paintings are an expression of true feelings, an ambition to make people joyful, and my aim to make the world brighter through them. That is what makes them unique.

What about the colors you use? Do they have any particular meaning for you?

I adore using all colors, but I have a special love for Yellow, Orange, and Blue. Blue for me is the wide ocean and the endless sky that makes me feel serene, peaceful, and ambitious at the same time. Orange and Yellow are the amazing sunsets and the beautiful warm feelings that come with them.

Wall of Freedom, Acrylic on canvas, 42×30 cm, 2022 © Siham El Kandoussi

Do you find that the shift to digital exhibitions and art fairs has helped you promote your work?

Yes, I did find that digital exhibitions and art fairs are a great opportunity for the artist to share and promote his artwork and share it with a wider audience.

Do you have any new exhibitions or projects you would like to share with our readers?

I do have a beautiful project under study that I would like to reveal, when it is totally finished.

Finally, what is one thing you would like to achieve this year?

I would love to see my artwork reaching wider audiences around the Globe.

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