Today we’d like to introduce you to Didi AlKassih.
Didi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Sometimes it takes suffering to discover the place we’re meant to be. For me, it was about 3 years ago, watching my mom struggle with dementia, that I discovered my passion for painting. The helplessness, heartache and frustration I felt became so overwhelming; it overshadowed everything in my life and I desperately needed an outlet for my feelings… this is when I found that art was that place for me.
As a child I used to draw cartoon characters and sell them to my family in an exhibit I set up in my bedroom, but I never pursued art beyond that. Then 3 years ago I attended a group painting class; during that hour I felt weights were being lifted off my shoulders… I became so immersed in it, it took me to a different place! A couple of months later, amid increasing heartache over my mom’s deteriorating health, the urge to paint again became so strong — I went and bought a canvas and supplies, and just started painting! “Dementia”, pictured below, is one of the very first paintings I did. I never had any formal training or art classes; it took my family and friends a while to process that I was creating these paintings! I, myself prior to that, didn’t even know I could paint!
Has it been a smooth road?
I get inspired by everything and anything in the world, but I find my greatest inspiration comes from within when I look into my soul and try to portray my journey in life. Having said that, the main struggle for me at the beginning, was to allow what’s deep inside me to emerge. It’s having the courage to let all these emotions surface, uninhibited. When I look at the finished artwork, it cements these feelings, which sometimes is difficult. But I’ve learned to embrace that; I’ve realized it gives me a clearer understanding of myself, my reality and the world around me. It provokes me to accept, change and grow.
From a business perspective, I don’t think any road to success is easy especially when it comes to art! But I believe everything comes to us at the right time in our life when we’re ready for it. That has been my experience. About a year and a half after I started painting, I applied for my first art show and all three of my paintings were accepted—and I sold my very first painting. Ten months later I was offered a solo show, and since then I have participated in over twenty exhibitions and art shows, most of which were juried.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Artwork By Didi story. Tell us more about the business.
I mainly do abstract work yet I love experimenting with different styles rather than maintaining a single cohesive one. Just like life, I feel art should be a reflection of the many diverse aspects of one’s experiences and surroundings. This has led me to develop a very personal and original style where I combine painting with photography, another passion of mine. It’s been received extremely well by people and I’m so grateful for that. You can see some examples in the pictures below, “Sunset Bliss” and “Journey”.
Although most of my work comes from a very personal place, I believe we all share universal feelings and struggles that we experience in different ways. This is a big asset for me — the ability to tap into these universal emotions and put them on a canvas.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Artists throughout history have been inspired by the current events in their lives, which has led to the many styles of art we have today. So, I believe the arts industry will always keep on evolving to accommodate the changing world around us. Nowadays, I see an increasing shift towards digital arts, which goes along the high-tech world we live in. I can see this trend gaining more traction in the next few years, however, I don’t see it taking away from the more traditional art styles; there is a wide range of tastes in this world. Also, there is no limit to creativity, so new ideas and styles from both professional and emerging artists will keep arising.
How do you personally define success? What’s your criteria, the markers you’re looking out for…etc?
Success to me has many faces and markers. Among the most important is to know that my artwork inspired others to look deep into their souls and take on their own journeys of self-exploration. If I’m able to move my viewers’ emotions in one way or another, or touch someone’s life with my artwork, then I’ve succeeded.
I hope my story is an inspiration to others to know that there’s no timeline to finding their purpose or passion in life; it could happen any time and at any age… just be open and go along for the ride. Also, there’s a silver lining to everything—even the worst hardships. My mom’s illness and passing has had the biggest impact on my life; it was the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced, yet it was the thing that led me to discover one of the best parts of my life. A friend once told me that painting is a gift my mom sent me from above — I believe that’s true and I know she’s now watching me with the most loving smile!
Contact Info:
- Email: artworkbydidi@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @artworkbydidi
- Facebook: Artwork by Didi
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