We were lucky to catch up with Said Abusaud recently and have shared our conversation below.

Said , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

To be creative is to be misunderstood. The uneducated and the uninformed people assume you just throw a splash of paint on a wall and call it art. A lack of understanding and any desire to learn more is the biggest problem. It’s often exploring whole new facets of expression beyond just complex representations of physical objects. I find the philosophy behind it can be very interesting even if the art itself is simple.

When I make experimental videos, I like to evoke emotions. To create an experience. It’s like trying to paint with words. You build up a moment and let it sit in existence. You give life to a feeling without using any color. It’s like boiling down a scene into a few choice words that give away the essence of the experience.

Is it misunderstood? Yes, and I prefer this as it eludes mystery. It’s something that’s missing these days. Keeping some things private can be healthy. You don’t have to share everything you’re doing all the time. You don’t have to always make the “process” and “progress” available in real time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Said Abusaud and I own a production studio in Dallas, Texas called Afterglow Gallery. The studio is compiled of local award winning talent including; Carine Rice, Nite, Christina Gaines, and Jeslin Joseph.

I initially started shooting on 35mm film. There’s a level of intimacy when you shoot with a camera from a time when you weren’t even around (1960). There’s a spirituality that’s connected to it. You go out with this intended idea of what you’re trying to achieve, and then you go back and mix chemicals together to see how you did. In my eyes, it’s gives off a romantic motiff.

For the past five years now, I shifted gears and now solely focus on film. I believe that taking the time to be thoughtful about what you’re putting out is essential. A slower, more considered approach that makes for a more thoughtful release.

It’s a common misconception that my brand, my work, my self of being exudes a level of dark ambience because of the series of releases I have focused on over the years. In truth it’s more of the experience that I hope to garner with an audience with conversations that they may not be ready to talk about.

My current projects include working on a film called Don’t Delete The Kisses; A Super 8 project titled “Remember Me” and a collaborative project with actress, Jeslin Joseph, who will have her own visual piece releasing later this year.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I’m often told that “I wish I could be doing what you’re doing” or “where do you get your drive from”. I am all about being transparent. I am self taught. I am no one special. I have suffered with depression all my life. And for the longest time, it’s what fueled my pieces. And while that is under control now, I needed to find another outlet as a resource for inspiration so to speak. In other words; anyone with the desire, drive and a message can do this. It’s not for the select few.

There are two questions that drive every creative person more than any others: What if? and Why not? They question what everyone else takes at face value. While uncomfortable for those around them, it’s this ability that enables creatives to redefine what’s possible.

I wish people understood that for artists the creative mind is a non-stop machine fueled by intense curiosity. There is no pause button and no way to power it down. This can be exhausting at times, but in so many ways it gives a sense of completion and you feel like you did something right.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

to grow and prosper, finding myself and being better

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/afterglowgallery