We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charmaine Kamal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Charmaine , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
Yes, of course, I am. We are all artists but the way we interpret things is different. I consider my self as lucky to be able to express myself and make it a full-time job.
Charmaine , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
In a whirlwind of creativity, I dabbled in various crafts since childhood, coming from a home where art was king. I juggled a 9-5 job post-college, dreaming of a more colorful life. Slowly, my room turned into an art emporium, bursting with yarn, tools, and creativity.
The itch to break free from the corporate grind grew, nudging me toward my true passion. With dreams of a more artistic existence, I leaped and started an Instagram journey showcasing my love for Fiber art.
My knot-tying skills blossomed during a bushcraft & rock climbing escapade, igniting a love affair with the art of knotting. The beauty of each knot’s purpose fascinated me endlessly.
The age-old artist’s dilemma crept in, weighing the comfort of a secure job against the joy of creating. Then fate intervened with MCO, opening up a world of possibilities as I lost my job. Embracing the opportunity, I dove headfirst into my art, sharing and creating online, slowly building a following and taking orders.
The road to becoming a full-time artist wasn’t a cakewalk, but with perseverance, things started to fall into place. Despite passing up lucrative job offers, I have no regrets about forging my own artistic path.
The moment of pride I experienced was truly profound when witnessing the installation at the site and observing the design materialize into reality. Crafting woven artwork entails an extensive process, involving significant labor and a myriad of emotions throughout. The sense of fulfillment that ensued left me immensely proud of both myself and the dedicated crew.
Presently, my passion lies in the creation process, infusing each piece with a profound sense of care and devotion. I aspire for clients, both current and prospective, to perceive this dedication reflected in the art we deliver.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Embarking on the path of an artist has granted me profound insights into my own psyche – revealing the sources of my inspiration, the driving forces behind my motivations, and the resilience that fuels my determination. Through this journey, I’ve come to appreciate that the pursuit of excellence is a continuous refinement process, where setbacks and failures are essential stepping stones towards achieving success. Consistent effort and a methodical approach are paramount in this pursuit. With time, I’ve learned to view victories and defeats not as final destinations but as markers along the road. For me, genuine fulfillment lies in the artistic voyage itself – in the perpetual growth, learning, and creation of art that enriches the lives of others. This endeavor remains the most gratifying aspect of my artistic endeavors.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
The most effective approach to bolster artists, and creatives, and foster a vibrant creative community is by eschewing mass-produced items from large corporations and instead supporting individual artists. Attend local art exhibitions, visit artist markets, and invest in unique pieces. Recognize and endorse the value inherent in an artist’s creative expression. Promote the works of artists and creatives you admire to aid in expanding their audience. Offering genuine appreciation for someone’s creative endeavors can significantly impact the artist, as sharing creative expressions can be a vulnerable endeavor, making each expression of support particularly meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/Nurtureknots_studio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charmainekamal_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nurtureknots
Image Credits
my trusted photographers :
1. Atiqah Is
2. Sharul Nizam Basir