Interview with Shuarra Iqbal Hussain

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SHUARRA IQBAL HUSSAIN Shucreation

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Shuarra has been with us for almost three years and she is the only member who is an expert in really interesting paper art technique called paper quilling. Learn more about her and her work in our interview we had with Shuarra at our market at Katara on 10th March.

What is your background and when and why did you decide to start your own small business? I was a Chemistry lecturer and hold a doctorate degree in Chemistry. I decided to give a break to my profession to be a mother. After my child was born, I imagined doing the multitasking of taking care of my child, and household as well as doing something professionally. This would allow me to be somewhat independent financially, plus take me out of the repetitive schedule of a housewife and mother.

QatART handmade community

March 2017

A visit to one of the open handicraft markets (MIA Park Bazaar) inspired me to do handmade things myself and participate at these markets as well. I always had an artistic side to my personality so I thought of putting it to use.

What sort of products do you market?

I do paper quilling (filigree) and apply this technique in making various decorative items. I extend the application of this technique a little further to make handmade paper jewellery, which are sturdy and water resistant.

How does your work differ from others of its genre?

Artistic use of paper strips and making them into intricate shapes to form a piece of jewellery. It’s unique and unthinkable for a jewellery to be of paper. The jewellery created is very light in weight allowing it to be worn by any age group.

How do you stay inspired?

Thankfully, my husband always inspires me to come up with ever-new designs. He has some ideas that I test and implement in my work. Also my mother keeps buying different raw materials that I find good use for in my work. So never to disappoint the two most important people in my life, I come up with something new, in spite of sometimes getting too carried away in my daily chores.

Where do you buy your supplies?

Unlike other artists who go to a craft materials shop, end up buying crafty things they might just keep in their cupboards, I completely evaluate everything before buying. So most of the time I end up buying nothing. Basic supply for my art is paper strips, which I buy in bulk from Mumbai, India. Besides that it's my mother who surveys markets and buys the rest of all jewellery findings and other craft supplies that may be of use to me.

The artist in me is very resourceful and tries maximizing the available items. So whatever my mother buys, I just use it for my paper designs.

How does your creating process work?

Any coloured A4 size paper is shredded into thin long strips and rolled into different shapes to create designs. For paper jewellery, I harden and varnish these rolled paper designs with various hardeners and varnishes.

What's the best thing about setting up your own brand?

People have started knowing me for my work and acknowledging me as an artist.

Who are your customers and where do you sell your work?

Anybody who likes to wear jewellery, which is unique and who admires and values a handmade art, is my customer. Little girls, who like headbands specially, are very attracted to my paper quilled designs on headbands. I sell my work in open markets like Katara QatART Market, MIA park bazaar and some markets in schools and colleges

Why do you like being a crafter and a designer in 10 words or less?

It gives me recognition & I can constructively use my time at my own pace.

Name something you do in your spare time.

Traveling and exploring new places as well as cooking.

Where would you like to travel to next?

My parents in-law are coming to Doha next month, so may be a family destination is on cards.

What recent project have you enjoyed doing?

Recently, I started giving a lot of paper quilling workshops. When I see so many kids getting excited to learn this art, it makes me feel proud and satisfied to promote paper quilling further in Doha.

What do you love about being a QatART Member?

QatART gives many opportunities and a platform to showcase my art in an authentic and handmade market atmosphere.

Do you feel QatART helped your business to grow and in which way?

Yes, definitely. Before joining QatART, I was a mother and a housewife but after becoming a member for almost 3 years now, people know me as an artist, too. They contact me personally for customized orders, ask for workshops or conduct craft parties.

Tell us 5 words to describe yourself.

Moody & Lazy. I dare to dream and work to achieve while always staying positive.

Do you have a motto?

INHALE POSSIBILITY, EXHALE CREATIVITY.

What are your 5 favorite products from our last market at Katara? (photos on the last page) 1. WALL ART BY OOH 2. DREAMCATCHER BY PEONY BLOSSOM BY JULIE VE 3. PEARL BRACELETS BY OPEARL QATAR 4. SHOE LAMP BY FOTSART 5. CARDS BY CARDNAMA GREETING CARDS QatART handmade community

March 2017

QatART handmade community

March 2017

QatART handmade community

March 2017