New mixed media workshop with Fatima Rizvi

On the Autumn Day by Fatima Rizvi - acrylic with gel monoprinting

If you've never created monoprints with a gel plate for mixed media and collage, now's the time to try - you are in for a treat! 

Fatima Rizvi is teaching our newest workshop, "Painting and Printing with a Gel Plate" on Saturday, May 14th. Click here to register via PayPal and download the supply list.

We interviewed Fatima to learn more about her artistry and creative process.

What are your favorite mediums and styles of art to create?

My art is a form of communication for me, an articulation of thoughts, experiences and emotions translated through the medium. My art provides viewers with a space to reflect, introspect and share their own stories with the world. I wish to promote social reform through raising social awareness and greater connectivity, and I aspire to create art that is relevant of its time and people. My work is large scale. I work predominantly in oils, acrylics, pastels and digital photography in a realistic manner. I’m inspired by the works of David Kassan and Max Ginsburg, social realist painters who aspire to raise human consciousness and social reform. I hope to be a full-time art teacher, currently I’m working only part time.

What or who inspired you to become an artist? 

Since childhood I’ve only had one dream, to be a successful artist. Growing up in Middle East, I would spend countless hours copying old master’s paintings and drawings from art books. I experimented with different mediums, drew and painted from life, developed a keen eye and a curious mind. My mother, who is a very accomplished painter herself, was an early inspiration for me and has guided me in my later years as well. I began to gather much support from clients, friends, and family to commit myself entirely to art making as a career. After moving to the U.S., I had the opportunity to work with an independent movie company, be interviewed on a radio talk show, have a solo exhibition and participate in various art group exhibits. Currently I’m a student at San Jose State University, pursuing my BA in Studio Art.

Untitled by Fatima Rizvi - mixed media collage

What's most important to you when it comes to your creative space?
I think it’s necessary for an artist to create an environment that facilitates creative thinking and that’s one of the reasons why my house has paintings and drawings on every wall. I don’t run a studio currently. I enjoy working from home as well. I’ve set up some space where I can engage and be productive. I always keep plenty of images of drawings and paintings close by that could inspire me. It’s critical to draw from the creative energies of our predecessors and contemporary masters. I haven’t lost my childhood habits and I continue to make detailed studies of old masters.

What's your best advice for an aspiring artist?
My advice to aspiring artists would be that if you are determined to reach your goals, you will eventually get there, despite the obstacles. You have to invest hundreds, if not thousands of hours, to gain mastery of your craft and it doesn’t all happen overnight. Work hard and don’t give up on your dreams!