Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Novik-khamis
Hi Alexandra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am an artist and art mentor.
I am originally from Russia but have lived in Bahrain for almost 15 years.
From early childhood, I showed a great interest in painting and drawing, which my parents noticed and encouraged, helping to develop my art skills. At the age of 10, I started attending Smolensk Arts School, and by 16, I entered the Department of Fine Arts and Graphics at Smolensk State University.
Five years of university studies and self-development perfected my skills, provided me with profound knowledge of various art styles and techniques, and helped me develop my artistic style and vision of “life in the art.” I also took several masterclasses from famous Russian artists and delved deeper into realism, my favorite artistic style.
During my 15 years in Bahrain, I opened an art studio, organized several exhibitions, and was recognized as one of the most successful businesswomen in the Gulf. I created an educational art material book and painted more than 500 artworks.
As an artist, I primarily work with oil and acrylic paint on canvas, though I also enjoy working with watercolors, ink, charcoal, clay, and cold wax. My art features strong, bold lines and bright colors, emphasizing space significantly. I specialize in creating large-scale portraits, landscapes, and still-life paintings for homes, corporate offices, vacation properties, and boutique businesses.
I have grown and evolved as an accomplished modern artist in just a few years. Art collectors and dealers who follow my career often comment on the continuous evolution of my work.
My oil and acrylic pieces are a reflection of my personal thoughts, emotions, struggles, and triumphs. Each brushstroke releases a part of myself, cleansing and purging what is no longer necessary and opening up to what should have been. My work is akin to a biographical visual novel, capturing the essence of my journey as an artist.
I was an invited artist for Gulf Art Symposiums 2023 and 2024
Participated in Dar Noura Art Symposium in Al-Ahsa Saudi Arabia 2024
Was part of an exhibition in Riyadh Saudi Arabia and many exhibitions in Bahrain and Russia
Was one of the organizers of the 1st International Children’s Drawing Competition dedicated to Russia Day in the Kingdom of Bahrain
I am currently organizing a Literary, Musical, and Art Salon event aimed at fostering friendship and cultural ties between Russia and Bahrain. This event will feature discussions on Russian literature, performances by Russian musicians, and conversations about art, providing a rich platform for cultural exchange and mutual appreciation.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth. Along the way, I’ve faced numerous challenges and struggles. Moving to a new country, adjusting to a different culture, and establishing myself as an artist in Bahrain came with its own set of hurdles. Language barriers and cultural differences sometimes made it difficult to connect with the local art community and potential clients.
Balancing my personal life and my professional ambitions was another challenge. The process of opening my art studio and organizing exhibitions required significant time, effort, and resources. There were moments of self-doubt and uncertainty about whether I could succeed in a competitive and ever-evolving art market.
Despite these challenges, I persevered. I took each struggle as an opportunity to grow and learn. The support of my parents, husband, friends, and local artists who supported me played a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles. Their encouragement and belief in my talent kept me motivated. Each artwork I created and each exhibition I organized reinforced my passion for art and my commitment to my craft.
Ultimately, these struggles have shaped me into the artist I am today. They have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my artistic vision. Through it all, my love for art has remained unwavering, driving me to keep pushing forward and evolving as an artist.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an artist, I primarily work with oil and acrylic paint on canvas, though I also enjoy experimenting with watercolors, ink, charcoal, clay, and cold wax. My body of work is characterized by strong, bold lines and bright colors, with a significant emphasis on space. I specialize in creating large-scale portraits, landscapes, and still-life paintings tailored for homes, corporate offices, vacation properties, and boutique businesses.
One of the key aspects that sets my work apart is the way I infuse personal thoughts, emotions, struggles, and triumphs into each piece. My art is a reflection of my journey, capturing the essence of my experiences and emotions. This biographical approach to my work creates a deep connection with viewers, allowing them to see and feel the story behind each piece.
I am most proud of the evolution of my artistic style and vision. Over the years, I have grown from a young artist exploring different techniques to an accomplished modern conceptual artist with a distinct voice. My journey from Smolensk Arts School to opening my own art studio in Bahrain has been marked by continuous learning and self-improvement. The recognition I’ve received, including being named one of the most successful businesswomen in the Gulf, is a testament to my dedication and hard work.
What truly sets me apart is my ability to merge classical art techniques with modern conceptual ideas. My work often balances realism with abstraction, creating a unique visual experience. This blend of styles, coupled with my use of bold colors and dynamic compositions, makes my artwork stand out.
Additionally, my commitment to sharing knowledge and inspiring others has been a significant part of my career. Creating an educational art material book and conducting masterclasses have allowed me to give back to the art community and nurture the next generation of artists.
Overall, my art is not just a visual representation but a narrative of my life, filled with passion, resilience, and creativity.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the value of perseverance and staying true to my artistic vision. The path of an artist is filled with both highs and lows, and there are times when self-doubt and external challenges can make it tempting to give up or compromise your unique style.
Perseverance has taught me to push through these tough times and to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Each obstacle has strengthened my resolve and deepened my commitment to my craft. Staying true to my artistic vision has been equally crucial. It’s easy to be swayed by trends or external expectations, but I’ve found that the most authentic and impactful work comes from within. When I create art that resonates with my personal thoughts, emotions, and experiences, it not only fulfills me but also connects more deeply with my audience.
Another vital lesson has been the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. Art is an ever-evolving field, and there’s always something new to learn. Whether it’s experimenting with new techniques, taking masterclasses, or simply observing the world around me, staying curious and open to new ideas has been essential for my growth as an artist.
Lastly, I’ve learned the significance of community and support. The encouragement and belief of my family have been invaluable. They have not only provided emotional support but also inspired me to keep going and strive for excellence.
These lessons have shaped me into the artist I am today, and they continue to guide me as I navigate my artistic journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jemnovik.wixsite.com/shurooop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shuroop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094034885159
