We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Judy El Hassan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Judy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Since I was in middle school , I used to love art , there was always something within me that tugged me towards the act of creating. I’ve always dreamed of printing my artworks on products or even creating something from scratch ! But one particular moment that I clearly remember made me realize that this path is truly for me is when I was telling a senior of mine a story about my latest creation , I was truly invested in that story and I hadn’t even realized how passionate I was up until they looked at me and said , you’re truly an artist ! It truly brought tears to my eyes.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Judy , but you can call me J. I’m a multidisciplinary designer & artist. I studied my BA in interior architecture. My father is a project manager and has always been my role model , I truly believe my love for the design field has been built in me ever since I was young ! I started my interior architecture career in 2020 , and as I was navigating the design world my mom (whom works in the jewelry field) kept pushing me towards it. I delved into the world of art and jewelry by taking on workshops with UAL , L’ecole Van cleef and Arpel as well as one on one workshops with amazing jewelers that brought me closer to my love for gems and jewels ! I truly would love to thank my mom for knowing and seeing that the world of jewels & art is truly for me ! Since I was in school I’ve always loved to create and draw & being able to delve into the world of design allowed me to see the world in a new light. Art is truly a way of life and not just a hobby to me , it shaped who I am as a person. Inspiration usually comes from anything I see or interact with around me , and it definitely always comes from the heart. My goal in this design journey is to be able to merge my passions in interior , jewelry & art into one project , product or exhibit ! My main focus at the moment is to be able to spread my creations and connect with likeminded people. As I create my jewelry designs (or any of my art) I always try to convey a feeling , statement or story through it. I hope that the wearer who would own my jewels would appreciate & align with their true selves and truly know and stand in their power! Creating is a self healing journey and I hope I can reflect that feeling and inspire others.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
As previously mentioned , I have set for myself a goal that I would hope to achieve in the upcoming few years. That goal is to merge my passion for art & design into one particular project and creating a series out of it. I also would like to become a design professor someday as I would like to inspire the younger generation just like my professors did for me ! I would love to be able to guide and advise younger designers that are just starting their careers the way I hoped to be guided when I started mine ! I truly believe that teaching goes both ways , not only do the professors guide their students but the students inspire the instructors as well with new and fresh ideas !
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I truly believe in order for any creative to strive in their ecosystem , there must be awareness and acceptance that creatives view the world differently and need to have built spaces that can allow for their work to flourish. Lately thankfully here in Dubai they are offering more opportunities, workshops and art competitions that can allow for artists and designers to participate and get the appropriate exposure required. Events that connect you with likeminded people are very beneficial and is an eye opener. You never know when you can meet someone that could connect you to your next client , invite you to an art event or even inspire you with a striking idea. Being able to create events or spaces that can gather designers & artists into one place is truly necessary; as well as creating shared workspaces.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judyhdesigns?igsh=YmdicmV5dzEwdWNz
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/jay.artdiary?igsh=ajhtdHY0aW1hN284
Image Credits
Judy El Hassan
Judy H Designs