Studio Visit with Fareha Zeba
Fareha Zeba
Painting
Figurative, political, and women's themes have been close to Fareha Zeba's heart. Read on to explore more of her work and learn about her studio philosophy.
Q.
Tell us about yourself and how you came to be an artist…
A.
Since my childhood, I used to draw everywhere. I once got colors as a gift and since then I started and never stopped. Later I had my formal studies in the foremost art institute in Bangladesh. Eventually, I figured out that being an artist is the only identity I can find myself.
Q.
Describe your work in three words:
A.
Human, nature, and feminine.
Q.
What is your creative process? Walk us through each stage - from coming up with ideas/themes/concepts you want to explore, to translating that into an artistic vision, to creating the physical artworks and installations.
A.
When I work on nature-based themes, I take reference from my garden and nature, I use my sketchbook to keep notes. Later on, they are realized as installation, sculpture or painting.
I prefer to work on various mediums, once I start expressing myself on canvas, I allow the work to take its natural course and naturally resolve itself on its own.
My creative process is mostly considering each of work as a new challenge and a new sentence to express my feelings.
Q.
What draws you to paint?
A.
Human interaction, natural beauty and the wonders of nature and social realism draw me immensely to paint, build sculpture and installations.
My works are also about our connection with the natural world.
I am enjoying working on social realism and political concerns.
Q.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
A.
My beautiful garden around me is my daily inspiration. The beautiful persons around me and the social happenings in my country are the main inspirations.
Women, their beauty, pains, untold stories, and colorful emotions also inspire me every day.
Q.
Who are some contemporaries or figures in art history who have influenced you?
A.
Frida Kahlo, Nalini Malini, Rabindranath Tagore, and many more.
Q.
What messages or emotions do you hope to convey to your audience?
A.
Life is beautiful.
Q.
What do you listen to when creating?
A.
Depends on my mood.
