Today we’d like to introduce you to Abdul-Rahman Marouf.
Hi Rahman, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started calligraphy in the 3rd grade at my elementary school. I was inspired by the beauty of the writing in the Quran, and I loved how detailed it was. So I tried to mimic that writing, to no success. Then I was approached by a teacher to who I will forever credit any of my success. Mrs. Rula. She and another teacher, sheikh Abdullah taught me the basics and encouraged me to compete in the Young Muslim Quiz calligraphy contests, so I did for a while and I loved it.
I kept on practicing, mostly alone, through books and videos, but I always felt like I lacked a real master of the art to teach me in great detail what I needed to do to reach a professional level. So, with the encouragement of my mother and my aunt, I went to Sharjah, UAE, and learned from the master calligrapher, Anwar Helwani. Upon returning, my skill level exponentially increased and kept increasing as I kept practicing.
I am now at a level where I am comfortable and confident writing for people on the spot at booths and doing freehand pieces rather than copying or trying to mimic other works that I had seen. I am currently still a student of the art of course, but I feel like I have come a long way, and I am still improving every day!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road getting to where I am. I lacked the discipline to give time to this art every day. And when I did fully commit I would burn out and not practice for weeks or even months, but I learned to do it in moderation to avoid such things, and I found it to be my de-stressor when I’ve had a difficult day.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in the traditional form of Arabic Calligraphy. I am mostly known for my paintings, however, I am transitioning to framed paper and ink. I am most proud of the progress I have made throughout the years and the fact that even when I took breaks from making art, I always came back to it because it is just something that was ingrained in me.
Something that sets me apart from other artists, especially here in the US, is my age, and the fact that all of my art is handmade. We live in a digital world, with printed artwork and laser-crafted works. Now the people who truly understand and value art would purchase from me because they value authenticity and genuine talent. This is not a shot at people who make digital art, by the way. (There are many talented digital artists who I respect greatly)
Another thing that sets me apart at events, such as art festivals, bazaars, etc. is that I usually make art on the spot. I use a wood burner on wooden keychains to write names or phrases, and I also write names on handmade parchment paper, which usually makes my booth one of the most successful in most of the events I have attended.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I would like to let anyone who got this far in this article, that I am truly grateful to you. I absolutely love making art and I am fueled by the support I get through social media, and obviously through my friends and family.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khatmarouf/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hamannimarouf
- Other: https://linktr.ee/khatmarouf
Image Credits
@amaal.d
