TURNING PAIN INTO PAINT

art

Whether you’re creating masterpieces or simply savouring them, there’s an abundance of joy and inspiration to be found in art therapy. But here’s the fun twist – expressing yourself through art isn’t just a creative pursuit; it’s a secret weapon for your physical and mental well-being.

Art therapy, the cool cousin of psychotherapy, provides a unique avenue to unleash your emotions and experiences in ways words can’t capture. It’s not about the end result; it’s about the therapeutic dance with art creation.

For centuries, arts has been a trusted ally for communication, self-expression, and healing vibes. Art’s superpower lies in captivating the whole brain, weaving linguistic storytelling with the captivating dance of visuals and tactile sensations, leaving an unforgettable imprint.

This is what helped Fatema Siddiki, when lupus unpredictably unfolded in her life. Defying grim prognoses, she embraced a paintbrush, transforming art into therapy and birthing her brainchild - TherapeuArt. Beyond being a visual communicator, art wellness coach, creative strategist, and autoimmune advocate, Fatema is a dreamer with aspirations that reach for the stars.

This week, You! delves into the world of art therapy with Fatema Siddiki, discovering the transformative power of creative expression…

You! When and how did you start your venture, TherapeuArt?

Fatema Siddiki: In 2020, during the COVID pandemic, I started my little company. Everything seemed to be closing down, but then a friend asked me to teach her how to paint through a video call. Even though we were far apart, it worked out well. That gave me the idea to teach more people and get them into painting. That’s how therapeuArt was born.

Since it’s just me running the show, I do everything – from curating and conducting workshops to handling marketing, social media, and graphics. I studied design communication and marketing at UCLA, so I feel like I understand and guide the vision for my company.

You! How did people respond to your venture since this was the first of its kind?

FS: I had mixed vibes as most of them thought that it’s just an art class - so making them understand that this is art for wellness was a bit challenging.

You! Were you artistic since you were a child?

FS: I would say yes, I always created my own world even when I was surrounded by others around me - I found solace and strength while doing that.

You! How and when did mental health become important to you?

FS: My journey is not just about creating Art; it revolves around prioritising mental health and recognising its link to overall well-being.

You! Being a woman, what kind of challenges did you face while setting up your venture?

FS: In Pakistan, the major challenge was not being taken seriously. Comments like “that’s just a cute hobby” or “until you start a real job” were disheartening. However, those remarks fuelled my determination to prove them wrong. I focused solely on my goal, making my workshops top-notch experiences and healing spaces for everyone.

There is better access to resources and support, especially in Los Angeles, a hub of wellness, where I have also setup my venture. Yet, gender and race-based discrimination can still be encountered. The key is having an unyielding mind-set – with resilience, you can achieve anything, anywhere in the world.

You! What is the most exciting part of your work?

FS: Curating my own work hours, working from any part of the world as art and creativity and self-expression is needed and acknowledged everywhere Meeting interesting people, building a community, helping people to see the best in themselves, guiding them to be the artist they always wanted.

You! Who is your favourite artist?

FS: Van Gogh! I admire how he poured his emotions vulnerably into his art. His paintings mirror his mental state, revealing inner experiences with bold brushstrokes and vibrant colours. He aimed to show the world his struggles, but I feel he didn’t fully allow himself to be seen. A lesson for us all from him is to embrace ourselves despite challenges and love who we are at the end of the day.

You! What are the positive points of being economically independent?

FS: It empowers me to make my own decisions, which extends beyond finances and help me with my confidence, self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.

You! What is the most important advice you can give to women?

FS: Follow your dreams! Say NO when necessary. Speak up and prioritise yourself, and find yourself, who you are before being a mother, daughter, wife or a sister. Have your own identity, which is not defined by someone else.

You! Could you name a woman who inspired you the most?

FS: My mother has always been my unwavering support. Despite societal pressures, where being chronically sick is often a concern, she encouraged me to tune out the negative noise. In a society preoccupied with marriage, she stood by me, insisting that I was destined for greater things. She’s not just my mentor, but also my best friend, guardian angel, and biggest supporter.

You! What does a typical day look like for you?

FS: I start my day with gratitude and coffee, setting a positive intention. My time is mostly spent on creative work, workshops, and meetings. Some days are also filled with friends, coffee strolls, and cooking dinner.

You! What gives you inner satisfaction?

FS: Being kind, honest and having pure intentions, personally and professionally.

You! What is your biggest indulgence at home?

FS: I am a big homebody; I love being in my space and in my aura that I have created.

You! What is your most treasured possession?

FS: If you would have asked me this a couple of years ago, I would have mostly answered it with some material or superficial things, but now its peace, peace around me, peace within me.

You! How do you keep a balance between family life and work?

FS: I am lucky to have a supportive family, they are the ones to push me to lead a big life so balance comes naturally as they know that whatever I am creating is valuable and they are there helping me achieve it.

You! What keeps you motivated?

FS: I’m inherently ambitious, always seeking new challenges. According to my friend, sitting still isn’t my thing. I continually motivate myself to be better, with my only competition being the person I was yesterday.

You! How do you define success?

FS: Success for me is feeling content at the end of the day with whatever I have done and achieved.

You! What are your future plans in terms of expansion of work?

FS: Take it to different countries; build a community of the artist within us. And do non-profit for foundations all over. Our biggest goal is to guide people to get back to being a creative being.