“A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others”

Shehla Khalid Khan was perhaps, born with the gift. She used to draw sketches and portraits as a child on any medium she could find — from walls to paper, wood, logs and floors. Her talent and passion for aesthetically showcasing the world through her art has never dissipated.Despite the lack of formal training, Shehla feels art is in her blood and you can see that in her works. Her love and appreciation for Qatar is abundantly reflected in her art.Besides commissioned work, Shehla is active in the art community in Qatar. A member of MAPS Qatar, she gives master classes at Qatar International Art Festival and participates in live painting shows at Doha Fire Station, Katara and Qatar Foundation.In a freewheeling interview, Shehla delves into her boundless first love. Excerpts:Tell us a bit about yourselfI am a self-taught artist from Pakistan. I did my graduation from Wah Cantonment, a military city in the Punjab province. I got married to Khalid Jahangir Khan in December 2009 and moved to Qatar with him. Since then, I am residing here. We have three children.I have been interested in art since childhood but never received any formal education in it. I remember drawing sketches, portraits etc. on walls, paper, wood, logs, floors etc. I was very good at sketching. My skills improved with the passage of time and I continued sketching at home and participating in art competitions at college and always got first position.But I took a hiatus of four years following my marriage and having kids. After the break, the first sketch I made was of my husband — it was really appreciated by everyone. I began to regularly paint at home and tried many mediums. My husband was a pillar of strength all along. I am a member of MAPS Qatar and my art journey as a visual artist started with it.How do you relate to art? What best describes the medium?To me, art is a colourful expression of ideas, thoughts, imagination. The language of art has no barriers. I use different mediums like oil acrylic, water colours and mix media but I love acrylic the most.What genre of art do you practice and what — or who — inspired you to get into it? A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.I love to paint — it’s my passion, colours my inspiration. I fancied realism and started with it but I always wanted to create something different and unique. In my leisure, I love to experiment with colours and also watch art work videos. I have seen marbling art and fluid art designs that look very interesting and relaxing. I tried both works on the same canvas because I didn’t have marble art materials so I tried these techniques with fluid art and created beautiful designs. My first painting for the exhibition was also in fluid art and got much appreciation. Then, I added more ideas to my repertoire and created so many unique pieces.What themes appeal the most to you and where do you get the inspiration to get down to work?After my marriage, I’ve spent around 10 years in Qatar. Arab life and culture has always fascinated me. My major interest is nature and my surroundings. I love Qatar and so you can see its reflection in my art. I don’t do art along a specific theme; I paint whatever attracts me.What do you consider to be your best work and why?I like all my work but perhaps, ‘The Great King’ takes the cake. I displayed it in my first ever exhibition at Katara. It is my first art work that follows the marble base abstract technique and it was widely applauded.Have you exhibited your art works? Do you sell art?I have exhibited my art works many times. My next exhibition is going to be held at Katara on Monday (today). It is a group exhibition of four Pakistani artists and I am leading the group. I have sold many paintings and also commission work at home.Tell us about an interesting anecdote from your life that brings a smile, a tear or just fond remembrance.When I got the chance to exhibit my work the first time at Katara, every artist was allowed to display only one art work but they allowed me to bring two and both were showcased up front at the gallery. The second was when I was amongst the six artists selected from a pool of 147 to give master class at the Qatar International Art Festival. The end of 2018 was the best time of my life. I have done three live painting shows at Doha Fire Station, Katara and Qatar Foundation and these all make for good memories.What is the most important life lesson that you think held you in good stead, and would probably everyone else?Never depend on anyone — if you set high goals, you should have focus and courage to achieve these.