Today we’d like to introduce you to Raghda Skeik
Hi Raghda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve loved art all my life. During my childhood, I used to draw and paint on every surface I could access, walls, desks, cabinets, cupboards, and closet’s interior and exterior. Besides filling my surroundings with drawings, I used to volunteer to draw and write school magazines and big wall posters.
My parents were supportive and never questioned me about ruining the household surfaces with my scribbles. Until the very near past, and before our house in Gaza got destroyed by the IOF, my mom proudly kept my closet that was filled with drawings in one of the house rooms.
My dad’s support was by buying every art supply a child could have dreamed of. From charcoal pencils and colored ones, markers of all sizes, paints of all mediums, brushes, and posters. I’ve cherished one of the fine oil painting sets he gifted me once and I still have it for the past 35 years. It’s displayed on one of my studio’s shelves.
Growing up, I was more focused on education, even after I got married and had my lovely three children, I continued my higher education in Nursing!
After giving up on finding a decent art school in or near my town, I was enrolled in nursing school out of boredom. Since then, I have forgotten all about art. I finished school, and I devoted my medical skills to helping others.
One day while volunteering to help a lady deliver her baby, I injured my back so severely that I couldn’t leave the bed for the next 6 months.
During that time and while receiving treatment, I shifted my attention to art again, and I began to write calligraphy art pieces and paint from bed. I couldn’t handle the idea that I was unproductive anymore.
A couple of years went by, and I had an invitation from a friend to exhibit my artwork at an exhibition about Islam and Muslims. At that time I only knew how to design and write calligraphy in multiple fonts, enjoy them around my home, and share them with friends on social media.
Hesitating to accept the invitation, I was anxious to share my art with a bigger and local audience that may not appreciate the type of art I’m doing.
The exhibition was: “Mirrored Mosaics: Artists’ Reflections on Being Muslim in Minnesota”. I exhibited 5 original calligraphy pieces. Surprisingly, the attendance was outstanding, and I got the most amazing feedback on my art. I was awarded first place in the Author and People Choice for one of my pieces “Eternity”.
Trying to wrap my head around the recognition, I was convinced I could create and share more with people. However, painting from home with all the responsibilities on my plate was seemingly impossible.
By chance, I learned that the same gallery _ where I exhibited my work at _was looking for an artist to rent one of the studios. With no hesitation, I did rent the studio.
Two years went by, and I loved every part of being surrounded by amazing artists at Art Works of Eagan.
Long story short, Covid hit and the 45-minute drive commute was a challenge whenever I needed a brush or a paint tube to work at home. I needed to move closer to home.
I moved the studio to Minnetonka and another chapter just started. I officially opened “The Calli Art Studio” to the public where I painted, held workshops, and taught.
I loved to explore painting different subjects and test my limits. I painted Landscapes, Still Life, and even Portraits. The sky was my limit!
However, I did struggle with every step as a self-taught artist trying to refine my skills. Meanwhile, I exhibited my artwork around the Twin Cities, Wisconsin, and Chicago, and received more recognition and awards.
For the experience I gained throughout my journey, I enjoy creating, sharing my knowledge, and teaching. Oh, about teaching, It was rewarding to teach Calligraphy at the University of Minnesota.
Who knew I would be here a successful artist and art instructor after all?
I’m grateful for the hard times I went through. I’m grateful for the community who supported me and pushed me outside of my comfort zone, and before all those to my biggest fans: my parents, husband, and kiddos.
Worth mentioning, that besides being a full-time artist, I enjoy being a nurse too. I’m fortunate to be part of nine medical missions sent to Gaza for the past ten years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely, big No!
As a self-taught artist, I’ve struggled in every corner to learn how to refine and build my skills.
Not only painting, but I had to learn coding to build my website, I had to learn marketing, how to present my work at art shows and festivals, and many more.
I invested a lot toward my successful career, and I still am.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a realistic visual artist and a calligrapher.
I love creating life-like artwork that can trick the minds of my audience and make them question if it is a photo or a painting.
I’m mainly known for my classic – Reinesance Like – paintings, especially in Still life and portraits.
I’m proud of my whole journey. The journey that shaped me into whom I am now.
I think being a Palestinian Muslim artist living in the US is what sets me apart from others. I stand proudly with my Hijab as a professional artist which sets me apart from others. I am mainly recognized as a Hijabi artist who paints photo-like art.
What makes you happy?
Little things and big ones. Every aspect of my life makes me happy.
Happiness is subjective to me, and I can bring happiness along with me anywhere.
Mainly my family, and my little happy place “The Art Studio” makes me happy.
New brushes, paint tubes; markers, and calligraphy pens make me happy 🙂 I am a collector of art supplies!
Finishing an art piece makes me happy. Starting a new one also makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecalliart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecalliart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raghdasART/
