Shabana Kauser’s art is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of her life. Born in the UK to Pakistani immigrants, she spent her early years surrounded by the sights and sounds of two cultures. After a successful career in the corporate world, life took an unexpected turn when she moved to Arkansas with her husband. Visa restrictions forced Shabana to put her professional aspirations on hold, leading her to discover a hidden passion: art.
This interview delves into the world of Shabana Kauser, exploring the inspirations that fuel her creativity and the challenges that led to her artistic awakening.
From Frustration to First Brushstrokes
“In 2008, my husband was offered a work opportunity in Northwest Arkansas. We left the bright lights of London, our careers in the corporate world and made the move. Due to visa restrictions I was unable to legally work for several years in the US. It was a frustrating time where I felt capped, my transition to a new country and community was tough.”
Finding herself in a new country with limited work options, Kauser felt a sense of stagnation. To keep her mind active, she enrolled in art classes at the local community center. It was here, surrounded by paints and canvases, that she rediscovered a long-dormant love for art. This newfound passion wasn’t just a hobby; it became a way for Kauser to express her experiences as an immigrant.
“I created enough oil paintings and planned for my first art exhibition. That was in March 2017 and it was a success. We certainly filled the gallery that evening, with guests pouring out of the door! This initial show gave me hope and inspired me think how I could use my immigration experience, share my story and connect more with the community.”
Bridging Cultures Through Art
Kauser’s paintings are a beautiful blend of her British and Pakistani heritage. Traditional fabrics, often featured in her work, are a nod to her mother, who skillfully transformed textiles into cultural garments. These "Dupattas," the Hindi/Urdu word for a South Asian scarf, represent not just a piece of clothing but a connection to her family’s history.
“The use of traditional fabrics throughout my work, are inspired by my childhood, where I grew up around fabrics. My mother would sew traditional clothes for the South Asian community in London, she used the skills my grandmother taught her, to start her own business in a country where she faced cultural barriers.”
Her art transcends borders, conveying universal themes of strength, resilience, and the yearning for belonging. Kauser’s work resonates with viewers from all walks of life, sparking conversations about cultural identity and the immigrant experience.
“The immigration experience involves uncertainty, changes and adaptation. My work has a universal message of strength, courage, determination, uncertainty, belonging and acceptance. That resonates with people regardless of their gender or background. Art communities throughout the US, have really amazed me with their interest in my culture. America is a nation of immigrants, it important for people to connect with the raw immigrant experience and remember the journey of their family and ancestors.”
Fueling the Fire: Inspiration and Experimentation
Kauser’s creative process is deeply personal. She draws inspiration from her travels, often revisiting the shops and markets where her mother used to source fabrics in London. These materials then become props in her studio, sparking ideas and compositions.
“I try and visit the UK every few years and bring material and jewelry back to my studio in Fayetteville, AR. Once I have my props in my studio, I spend time with generating ideas and how I’d like to capture them in my paintings. I use my own models, and stage the setting accordingly. I create my work from reference images that I capture, alongside having the very fabric and jewelry by my easel as I create. Studying the fabrics and jewelry up close as I create, helps me to capture more details in my work.”
Kauser loves capturing head and shoulder portraits, but isn’t afraid to break away from traditional portraits, as evidenced by her captivating hand and arm paintings. These unconventional pieces evoke curiosity and ignite conversations at exhibitions.
Staying Motivated and Sharing Success
To stay inspired, Kauser immerses herself in the artistic community. Visiting exhibitions, attending artist talks, and connecting with fellow artists are all vital sources of motivation for her.
“Creating can be such an isolating process, and I find that to be a double-edged sword. It’s useful as I am productive, but at times I have to remind myself to break off and absorb some good energy to bring back to my practice.”
“Other living, practicing artists play a huge role for me, from attending their shows, cheering them on to having rich conversations about the art industry, it all makes a huge difference. My resources (books, podcasts, free YouTube videos) are all useful and I try to include them into my work schedule.”
The positive feedback she receives from collectors and viewers is another source of fuel. Watching people engage with her work, studying the details up close, never fails to energize her.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Kauser’s advice for aspiring artists is simple yet profound: create art that feels authentic to you. Finding your audience takes time, but authenticity will resonate with those who truly connect with your work.
She also emphasizes the importance of persistence. After her first successful show, Kauser set a long-term goal of showcasing her work in different cities and states. By focusing on local opportunities first and then gradually expanding her reach, she achieved that goal and continues to strive for new heights.
“I’ll end this answer with — Keep learning and growing!”
A Tulsa Connection
A chance visit to the Tulsa Artists' Coalition (TAC) Annual Members Show marked a turning point in Kauser’s artistic journey. The welcoming atmosphere and enthusiastic response to her work encouraged her to apply for membership. The TAC has provided a platform for Kauser to share her art and connect with the Tulsa community.
“I spoke to one of the members of the TAC, and showed them my work. They were so impressed, and told me to apply. I needed that encouragement a lot at the time, and still appreciate it now. When I did my first member’s show, my work received such wonderful feedback from the Tulsa community. It’s been wonderful sharing my culture, and my art in different communities in America. Thank you to the Tulsa Artists Coalition for welcoming me in!’
To learn more about Shabana Kauser and her artwork, visit her website:
www.shabanakauserart.com or follow her on social media: @ShabanaKauserArt
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