You’re an amazing storyteller, what were your favourite stories growing up?
“My favourite stories that I grew up with were the stories of prophets, fairy tales of Disney princesses, and cartoons like stories of fairy tales and so on.”
What is the most challenging thing about working with sand?
“Controlling the amount of sand used in the painting, because this step is one of the basics of drawing with sand, and it may also negatively affect the beauty of the painting because it is also difficult to remove in the art of painting with sand, especially if sand is scattered on the painting.”
How did it feel to appear on Arab’s Got Talent and what advice would you give to others thinking of applying to similar competitions?
“It was an indescribable feeling because I did not expect that the reaction of the jury and the audience and everyone who saw me on television from different countries of the Arab world would be the same, as everyone praised my talent and encouraged me to continue and go on presenting the influential stories in the program. Some bet on me winning the title, although I did not win it in the end, but I won a bigger prize, which is people’s love for me. If it were not for the grace of God and their love, I would not have won the highest percentage of votes in the semi-final stage and qualifying for the finals of the program.
I advise everyone who thinks about applying to competitions similar to the program to be brave, believe in their abilities, do their best, and fight to reach the ultimate goal of winning. Because everyone who sets a goal and seeks it, will reach it one day, even if he was not lucky the last time.”
Did you find it hard to introduce sand art into the Arab world and middle east?
“On the media level, yes, in the period prior to my appearance in the talent program, the presentations I made were limited to the local level and some of the GCC countries, but afterwards, praise be to God, the situation became easier for me as I was able to communicate my message of the art of painting with sand through the program and then through social media. On the artistic level, it was easier than I expected, because the idea was new to the Arab world and the Middle East. Whenever I talk about this art or present a painting in front of someone or in front of the audience, I find their great interaction and encouragement for me, and expressions of fascination, pride and happiness fill their faces.”
Can you tell us about some of your favourite exhibitions to date?
“There are many wonderful exhibitions held annually in various countries of the world, which I hope to attend if I have the opportunity. My favorite exhibitions so far are the Expo, Platform 09, Book Fair, World Art Gallery Dubai and Downtown Design Gallery.”
Which piece of work are you most proud of?
“Honestly, there is no specific work, I am proud of all the work that I have done because every work I do I make sure that I give it 100% from time and effort to highlight its content; However, it is possible to highlight the paintings that contain many details, whether they are pictures of dignitaries such as sheikhs and other characters, or live shows and video shows as video clips.”
What is your best piece of advice for people who would like to become a sand artist?
“I advise them to learn the basics of drawing and practice it from time to time while continuing to paint with sand because practice is the weapon of capacity development for anyone, whether an artist or not. And they have to be patient and determined to learn and not be afraid of failure because failure is the first step to success and not the end of the road.”
What is the best part about being a sand sketch artist?
“I use an element of nature which is sand and that I have the ability to transform one painting into several panels in seconds and minutes.”
When you’re creating beautiful stories how do you like to relax and unwind?
“Hearing the soothing music or the sound of the sea and birds, sitting in the yard or at the seashore and inhaling the fresh air and enjoying its breeze, smelling a pleasant smell like the smell of incense or my favourite French perfume, drinking a hot cup of tea and eating some snacks at a cafe or at home.”
Is it challenging for you to be detail oriented?
“Not really, because I love details. I’m used to scrutinize details from my childhood to this day. As long as the painting contains details, it seems to me as a new challenge and fun at the same time.”
