Shihar Hamza is a self-taught artist who explores the world of art through sculpting, charcoal sketching and painting using watercolours. Although he has graduated in electronics, Shihar’s first love has always been art. He believes his life’s call is to be an artist, and has always nurtured a desire to complete a degree in fine art and pursue art as a profession. However this dream had to remain just that — a dream, as his parents weren’t convinced he would be able to make a living as an artist. 
As years passed however, his passion for art continued unabated as his heart’s tug to paint and sketch wouldn’t go away. Fortunately for Shihar, he found some momentous doors opening in Qatar, following an invitation from CNA-Q, to take part in a symposium along with other recognised artists from Qatar; the event proffered unexpected opportunities. 
Hamza has since explored new techniques in charcoal and watercolours, which have been widely acknowledged as true artefacts. Today he has earned a respectable place among artists in Qatar having won several laurels. 
Even as Shihar works on the technical side for LNG giant Qatargas, he is now able to follow his heart’s desire by working on art projects during his spare time. He is currently the media co-ordinator for International Artists Doha (IAD). 


Tell us something about yourself.
I am a self-taught artist who grew up in the South Indian state of Kerala, surrounded by the green countryside of this scenic state. Qatar has been my home for the last eight years; I live in Al Khor with my wife and two daughters. 
My art is about experimenting with live shapes, its habitat and colours. I see art as an expression of feelings but more importantly as a domain for freedom. Drawing on my love for life and surroundings, I do admit that I am not so concerned with the literal translation of a particular thing, subject or landscape, but instead enjoy capturing the atmosphere and charm that embraces me, as I tease my brush and paint across the canvas or paper. 
I prefer not to be labelled or categorised in my work, as I feel my work is ever-changing. I believe an artist is one who is able to express himself through his work.


What got you interested in art?
I’ve always loved art, I remember sketching and painting from early childhood, but I really never could do anything to pursue art seriously. However, the last eight years have been significant for me, as I’ve had more time on my hands and thus been able to work on a lot of art projects. 
When I landed here in Qatar I never imagined this would be a place that would nurture my artistic talents. My destiny had brought me here in search of a livelihood in electronics, but today I’m immensely grateful for the numerous opportunities that have been made available for me here, to nourish my love for paintings. 
But then Qatar is truly great, much greater than the little I had known about it. The value this nation has for art and for artists from other countries is truly noteworthy. It’s not just ‘hydro carbons’ that Qatar cares about — this is indeed a land of countless social and cultural heritages.


What is your most preferred medium of art? Which kind of art do you find most challenging?
I love the use of watercolours, as it is the only medium that offers transparency in colours; I like the water wash flow of colours that you can get using watercolours. Another preferred medium of mine is charcoal, as you can achieve better detailing and greater precision.
Calligraphic art is the one that I find most challenging; I have dabbled in Arabic calligraphy. 


Where do you draw your inspiration from? Which do you consider your most cherished piece of work?
I draw from the work of professional artists, photographers and sculptors. I specifically like the work of artists like Milind Mulick from India and Abe Toshiyuki, whose watercolour paintings are remarkable. My inspiration comes from observing the play of light and shade as well; then there are also aspects of my own life that motivate me. 
As for my most cherished piece, I would say all my works are favourites with me or perhaps I should say I am still waiting to do my ‘favourite’ work. 
 Share with us a life-changing moment.
That would certainly be the invitation from the College of North Atlantic Qatar to participate in the 2nd CNA-Q Visual Art Symposium 2012, which was held to the theme ‘Diverse Colours, One World. Selected artists from 12 countries were asked to carry out ‘live art’ on a cultural theme, over the period of one week. I produced two paintings for this symposium which were sold right away. 
Besides the occasion to meet and network with various talented, local and expatriate artists, the symposium opened up the opportunity to gain membership in several art-focussed associations in Qatar, like the International Artists Doha (IAD) — an International art group in Qatar for (professional) artists  and art lovers — and the Fine Arts Society, Qatar. I am currently the media co-ordinator for IAD.
Since participating in the symposium, I’ve also been able to hold several solo and group art exhibitions in Qatar. 


Tell us about your work in the ‘Katar Murals with the Brushes of Artists’ project.  
That was a very interesting project that I was privileged to be part of. About 55 local and expatriate artists were invited to work on building a long, creative fence, at Katara Cultural Village. The basic idea was that each of us would work individually on a 6mx4m outdoor panel, based on a cultural theme. 
These panels were then pieced together to create a very long fence to adorn Katara and showcasing culture and tradition. My panel was a watercolour painting depicting Qatar’s pearl diving past. 


What are you working on currently?
I am now working on a series of charcoal based sketches titled ‘In the Crowd’. I was moved by the unfortunate death of the three-year-old Syrian boy Aylan Kurdi who drowned as his parents were trying to flee to Europe. The paintings in this series will reflect the hard truth that we live in such a fast-paced world today, that we often become blind to needs of the older and weaker members in our society. 


What has been your greatest personal challenge?
My greatest personnel challenge was trying to my complete my degree in electronics and instrumentation, which I was forced to do for the sake of my parents. My greatest disappointment in life is that instead of doing a course in fine arts I studied electronics; I feel I’ve wasted so many years of my life. I still regret for being a coward and not standing strongly by my own decision. 
Share with us your dream. 
My dream is to become a fulltime artist and offer new ideas to the world. I also cherish the dream of being invited by HH the Emir of the State of Qatar in recognition of my work, and of course also hope for the opportunity to have a photograph taken alongside him.


What is your dream destination? 
I love travelling and seeing various places, but I particularly look forward to seeing the beauty of the Himalayas and visiting Nepal.
 
Your favourite pastime? 
When I’m not working on a piece of art, I play football; I play almost every day.


What scares you?
I worry about my land — Kerala, referred to as ‘God’s own country’ by the natives. Kerala has always been renowned for its lush green beauty and nice weather. However following indiscriminate deforestation, Kerala is losing its beauty and the weather too has been affected, getting worse day by day. 


Lessons learnt from life? 
Be honest in all that you do.


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