portfolio
THE SEED COLLECTOR
Description - Handmade watercolour, including Afghan Lapis Lazuli and malachite, 24k shell gold on handmade Indian wasli paper
Price on enquiry
garden of union
2023
- sold
Hand ground pigment, including malachite and lapis lazuli, with 24k gold leaf, on wasli (hemp) paper
The form of a Vesica Piscis can be seen enclosing two birds facing inwards. The overlap between the two circles has been decorated with illuminated spirals and flowers, to depict the fruition of coming together. The birds depict two sides that choose to work together regardless of what makes them different. They need one another and the communion only gives rise to something beautiful and beneficial for them both.
This work hopes to explore social constructs, juxtaposed against the natural world. It aims to open the door to better understand nature, focusing on the way it communicates and works in harmony. This piece draws inspiration from the way nature balances itself and thrives off symbiotic relationships, rather than competing against each other. The united and balanced network seen in the natural world, is the reason for its resilience.
We construct our own realities through our interactions with each other, but Nature doesn’t live by a made-up reality based on biases, judgments and opinions.
Therefore, it could be said that its interactions with its environment and co-inhabitants exist without being influenced and pressured to conform to a certain way of living. Natures true mission is to work together in a life-long effort to benefit the health and survival of the entire ecosystem. The complexities of the human race hinder us from making survival as simple as this.
As humans we’ve all experienced working together and leaning on one another is always more beneficial than trying to make it on our own. Inspired by the way nature exists, we can learn to strengthen our communities so we all have the best environment to grow and thrive within.
‘Garden of Union’ hopes to illustrate this through a delicate composition of circles and spiralling lines. The beauty that comes from the union of the two sides is real and can be experienced in our every-day lives.
CYPRESS AND BLOSSOM 2023
Hand ground pigment, including malachite and lapis lazuli, with 24k gold leaf, on wasli (hemp) paper
A depiction of masculine and feminine seen in unison.
The cypress and blossom is a depiction of masculine and feminine seen in unison. Water flows beneath the two forms nurturing and giving them sustenance. The golden glow from above sends down light and guidance. It allows them to see the imperfections within each other, yet they don't seek to change each other and instead learn to accept the differences.
The blossom tree curves gently as it grows through the upright cypress, both are in harmonious union. One does not seek to over-power the other; they know they are stronger when striving to find balance and providing support. They hope to remain under the warmth of the golden glow and grow together forever with their branches and foliage intertwining, continuously supporting, adapting and making space for each other.
For me this reminds me of my relationship with my loved ones. A nurturing support system which allows me to flourish and helps me give back. It provides me with the ability to become more patience and tolerant. We are not perfect and we all have imperfections and knowing that you are loved and supported regardless of them, gives me something to be grateful for.
At the end of the day the human race was never designed to live a solitary life. We are social beings that love to interact, but not just that, we need one another to grow in every aspect of our life. I wonder if you can ever truly say that you achieved something without the help of another, and that your achievements were the result of your own efforts alone? And even if this is how you feel, how difficult has it been to achieve something without having anyone else guiding and supporting you through it?
Trees and plants embody this so naturally. They don’t work to a selfish survival of the fittest programme, they work together within their ecosystem to create balance through the sharing of knowledge, nutrients and even wisdom. They physically support one another and have also been seen to exist as families. Trees stay connected to their offspring through a complex root system, through which the mother tree provides tailored support so they can have the best chances of surviving.
The natural world knows, that the health and strength of the entire ecosystem means that they and their offspring have the best chance of surviving, but they can’t do that alone, and must work together as one body. The human race is the same, when we stop caring for and supporting one another then entire communities begin to fall apart. The result of that can be seen in so many aspects of our societies.
GOLD DUST 2021 - SOLD
Exhibiting at the Aga Khan Centre Gallery as part of The Quran: Form, Feeling and Frangrance, curated by Esen Kaya 2023
Hand ground pigment, 24k gold leaf, pink Indian rubies on wasli (hemp) paper
This painting depicts two birds flying inwards towards the centre of a circle. As the birds journey inwards, they move past smaller gold circles and crushed rubies which are spiralling outwards from the centre.
A centrifugal force pulls the birds to the heart of the spiral, to the point of creation and ultimately to their Creator. In order to arrive, they must strive to stay on their path and remain focused.
The spiralling gold and ruby ‘star dust’ represent the glistening, enticing, distractions of this world. These gleaming diversions are the things we think we want to spend time with, but in reality the time would be better spent elsewhere. This shimmering veil that continuously regenerates and re-fashions itself each time we pull it down, seeks to subvert us from our path.
The birds are on a spiritual journey and they endeavour to push past the obstacles and remain centred on their destination. In search of pure contentment and free from all material and worldly desires, the birds are determined to reach their journey’s end.
As humans we are easily swept away into waves of gilded and gem like distractions life has to offer. There will always be plenty of things ready to obscure the path that leads to what makes us feel most accomplished and content. Keeping the path clear, decluttering our hearts and minds and bringing our goals back into focus is how we will move closer to where we want to be.
GARDEN OF GRACE 2021 - SOLD
A glimpse of spiralling golden vines climbing within an arch, where we see that birds are free to soar and be nourished by the essence of the Creator. Painted using natural pigments and genuine gold.
A glimpse of spiralling golden vines climbing within an arch, where birds are free to soar and are nourished by the essence of the Creator.
Completed during the pandemic, this piece was inspired by work I had been thinking about for many years. It developed into the painting we see today because of my experiences in lockdown.
Through the months of isolation, when so many of us lost contact with loved ones and were compelled to stop doing things we took for granted, we were forced to stop and reconnect with those in our immediate circles. For me that meant spending more time with my husband and children and renewing our love for the outdoors and nature.
On the many walks we took, I began to reflect on the impact we have on our surroundings every day. The fact that we were forced to stop meant we had to give the Earth a much-needed break. The natural world seemed to blossom infront of us, the air smelled fresher, the water tasted sweeter, and birdsong filled the air.
Physically connecting with the earth, working in my garden and nourishing the soil for new growth, led to the contemplation of the spiritual nourishment that we need to grow and thrive.
Just as new roots start their wanderings by forming a spiral and growing outwards, the painting with its intricate vines and flowers takes us on a similar journey through its ever-growing sacred spirals.
Hidden amongst the detail, are my little birds, who play and soar freely. They are nourished by the vines and are in communion with their Creator, who is the Creator and Sustainer of all living things.
Make it stand out
Exhibited in Carpet Pages III : Pixels 2020. Curated by Vaishali Prazmari and Southampton City Art Gallery, Manifesting The Unseen 2021 curated by Nadia Mirza.
Handmade pigments; Lapis Lazuli and Azurite, 24k genuine Gold leaf and Palladium on handmade wasli paper.
A sole bird is seen emerging from a place of turbulent waves and gathering clouds. Wings spread out she searches for peace and breaks free from the uncertainty and volatility of the skies and sea, above and beneath her. The golden light spreads warmth over her wings and enlightens/comforts her from within. The doors to another world are open where she finds solace in her newly found peace.
NAFS, 2020 - SOLD
Exhibiting at the Aga Khan Centre Gallery as part of The Quran: Form, Feeling and Frangrance, curated by Esen Kaya, 2023.
Hand-ground pigment, gum arabic and 24k gold leaf on handmade wasli paper.
The arabic word ‘Nafs’ can be described quite literally as ‘self’ and has further been translated as the ego, psyche or soul. One could also describe it as “the little voice in our head”.
As humans we are in constant conversation with ourselves, we are at times in agreement or conflicted with the thoughts that fill our minds.
This piece of work seeks to explore the places we go mentally and aims to make us more conscious of our Nafs. It also leads us to question how it was formed and how it makes us who we are.
freedom box, 2020 - sold
Hand-ground pigment, gum arabic and 24k gold leaf on handmade wasli paper.
Inspired by the story of a Black slave called Henry Brown and his freedom story. This work raised £500 for the BLM cause which was donated to www.runnymedetrust.org, UK’s leading independant race equality research group.
GARDEN OF REFLECTION, 2018
Hand-ground pigment, gum arabic and 24k gold leaf on handmade wasli paper.
Wazir Khan Mosque of Old Lahore boasts a vast range of stylized florals which adorns its tiles and fresco work. Taking inspiration from the same walls and ceilings, Mobeen envisages the return of the flowers and trees to their gardens of origin. The concept aims to capture a feeling of completeness, a journey back to the beginning, the closing of the circle.
A rich colourful garden scene evokes visions of Paradise which awaits the return of the Mu’mineen (the faithful). Framed within an archway we visualise the entire structure and gardens beyond, a reflection of mankind’s search within themselves and contemplation of their place in existence.
Reunion , 2018 - sold
Hand-ground pigment, gum arabic and 24k gold leaf on handmade wasli paper.
This diptych is a prelude to the artist’s piece Garden of Reflection.
It depicts two birds that are searching for one another, awaiting the promised reunion. The golden sun shines down on the birds as a symbol of light and hope. They fly from tree to tree in search of one another so they can join and rest together in the Gardens of Paradise. They knew each other once upon a time, they lost each other, but under the Light they will be reunited as promised by their Creator. The Noor (light) of God will shine over them, there will be peace, there will be love, and there will be an eternity together.
Dome of the rock, 2017 - sold
24k shell gold and watercolour on hot press paper.
The magnificent Dome of the Rock from Jerusalem, fused with a backdrop featuring a famous Moroccan ‘jali’ style geometric pattern.
The return 2017
24k shell gold and watercolour on hot press paper.
A geometric pattern from the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem enclosed in a golden hexagon. The central star is apinted in 24k gold.
ILLUMINATE, 2016 - sold
Inspired by Turkish islimi patterns.
24k gold, gouache on hot press paper.
‘Illuminate’ was one of the first Illumination paintings I completed. The spiralling floral patterns are most commonly known as islimi or tezhip. ‘Illuminate’ was inspired by my trip to Istanbul, where I witnessed endless spiralling designs of similar nature. A lot of the beautiful Quran Folios were decorated in extravagantly detailed patterns and I wanted to take a piece of that away with me. The way I did that was to recreate it in something that would take me through the entire process from design to colour.
I thoroughly enjoyed this painting and parting with it was hard. It’s now in a beautiful home all the way in America!
PERPETUAL, 2016 - sold
Inspired by Mamluk Qurans.
24k shell gold, malachite and gouache on handmade banana paper.
‘Perpetual’ was one of the first Illumination paintings I completed. The central pattern extends out and is framed within dazzling golden and coloured borders. Inspired by the Mamluk Qurans, the pattern is shown to have the possibility of continuing beyond it’s borders, and therefore communicates the endless repeating form of a geometric pattern. The possibility of repetition is infinite and therefore symbolises the eternal existence of the Creator of all creation. The central point of this geometry is to signify that the Creator is at the centre of everything and the pattern which extends from this point is a representation of how all of creation comes from Him alone.
The original painting was donated in 2019 to Europe’s first eco-friendly mosque, Cambridge Central Mosque .
taj mahal, 2016
Watercolour on hot press paper.
The grand Taj Mahal of India against a striking blue backdrop laced with a famous ‘jali’ pattern.
