Today we’d like to introduce you to Hina Chaudhry.
Hina, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
For as long as I can remember, I have always been passionate about art. It all started with coloring books. As a little girl, I could color for hours at a time making sure I stayed within the lines. Attention to detail has always been important to me. As I got older, I started sketching, painting, and experimenting with other art media. Art gradually became more than just a hobby; it was therapeutic.
As the years went on, I eventually lost touch with my inner artist and became preoccupied with typical adult responsibilities. Six years back, I stumbled upon Islamic art and calligraphy. I was mesmerized. The intricacies, the vibrant colors, and the multitude of media were breathtaking. I decided to release my inner artist once again but with the intention of creating art with a purpose.
I was determined to find a platform that allows me to create meaningful Islamic art but also provides a stream of revenue for the less fortunate in the Muslim world. In 2012, Celebrate Islam was created. At Celebrate Islam, my clients can purchase custom-made Islamic artwork and donate to charity simultaneously. A portion of all proceeds goes towards Islamic charities and causes.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Although I create a lot of Islamic art, I am equally well known for my vibrant and sparkly mixed media artwork including my usage of broken glass and heavy texture. My artwork is my therapy and allows me to heal. The best art, in my opinion, has the most pain behind it.
A few years ago, I was at my lowest. My life as I knew it and planned it was falling apart. I couldn’t help but think maybe God is punishing me for something? To add to that, my home got broken into. I had been out with my family and as we walked in to the home something felt off. The master bedroom was completely trashed. We were shocked! How did they get in? As I walked into the bathroom I immediately noticed the shattered glass pieces on the floor. Amidst all the chaos, I couldn’t help but notice the beauty in the broken glass. I knew right then I would use it for my artwork.
I like to incorporate glass pieces in my mixed media artwork as a reminder to myself, first and foremost, that I have so much to be grateful for. It took many tragedies for me to see the countless blessings in everything that I had faced and continue to face. I am still dealing with the aftermath of emotions, some have healed and some are still a bit raw. My art allows to me to express myself and I hope others can relate to my artwork in their own ways. I hope it provides them solace as it does for me.
How can artists connect with other artists?
Personally, I very much look forward to being alone when I am creating my art. Art time is me time. It allows me to gather my thoughts and emotions which I then translate into artwork. It’s therapeutic. Once I am satisfied with how I have expressed my feelings in my artwork, I’m ready to share it with the world.
The process of creating art undoubtedly can get lonely but social media has allowed artists access to other like-minded individuals down the road or across the world. In our own wonderful city of Houston, we have countless organizations for artists. My advice would be to take advantage of the resources out there.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I have been blessed with opportunities to exhibit my art at reputable organizations including, Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts and twice at Houston City Hall.
My work is displayed in various venues throughout Greater Houston. I currently have several pieces on display at DuVin Pintor Art Gallery and Houston Downtown Library. I participate in lots of charity events, fundraisers, and exhibitions throughout the year as well.
Other than that, I work out of my home studio and welcome clients in by appointment to check out my current inventory and order commissions. I also try to be active on Instagram and Facebook. (@hinachaudhry.art) Please follow and support my art journey. My art touches souls. Let it speak to yours.
Contact Info:
- Email: hinachaudhry.art@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/hinachaudhry.art
- Facebook: facebook.com/hinachaudhry.art
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