AYA JOUKHDAR

Aya is a Fine Arts student living between Paris and Saudi Arabia “Don’t be afraid. Yes.

Keep going. Trust it is going to work!”

Chloe Briggs (CB): Could you describe something that has happened to your work over the course of this year that has been meaningful?

Aya Joukhdar (AJ): I would say that working on the ‘Earth’ project gave me a better understanding of the environment, and its’ beauty. This appreciation has encouraged me to explore larger scales and create more detailed works of art. I would say that maybe the ‘Earth’ project really did wonders for me.

CB: I think you are humble about your work. Is that correct?

AK: Yes

CB: What has been amazing for me as your teacher is to see you develop as a painter. Does it feel that you are solidly on that path now?

AK : Yes, yeah, I believe so.

CB: And what is it about painting as a form to express yourself?

AK: I just started to understand art way more than I did before. During the process I would usually think about how it would turn out. But ever since I started painting I would forget about those things, and just let my mind make me do what I want to do. If that makes sense?

CB: Do you trust yourself a bit more? Feel less frozen by the idea of perfection that you aspire to?

AK: Yes!

CB: It is liberating that feeling isn’t it? And I think that’s what we see in your paintings, particularly in the ‘Earth’ project (pictured right). What artists have you seen this year that have influenced you?

AK: The Monet and Mitchell show at the Fondation Louis Vuitton!

CB: You were lucky to be in Paris to see that, right?

AK: Yes. I was so surprised because I wasn’t expecting it to be like this

CB: Can you describe the describe effect it had on you?

AK: I can’t really say what it was exactly, but it was just like - it just made sense, you know, like it just made me want to do what they’re doing!

CB: That is a good answer. You are very supportive of your classmates. Can you describe the enthusiasm for each other’s work and each other’s break-throughs? How does it feel to be part of this online community?

AK: I wasn’t expecting it to be like this at the beginning, I was always so nervous because I never liked online courses. But yeah, it was surprising that is amazing! I am so glad that I’m a part of it. The experience has helped me grow as an artist.

CB: I think one of my favorite things about Fridays is your enthusiasm for each other’s development, because you’ve watched the work and each other grow over time. You have witnessed everyone get stronger and stronger and more confident.

CB: If you were able to go back in time and meet Aya starting this course, what would you say to her?

AK: Oh! Don’t be afraid. Yes. Keep going. Trust it is going to work!

CB: Trust your instincts. Wonderful!