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Janan Shihadeh is a Palestinian born artist who specializes in bespoke murals and hand decorated furniture, created on commission for an international client base. |
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Janan has also created a successful line of handmade, decorative candles to complement her unique furniture range. Educated in the United States, Janan lives and works in Dubai & Egypt. |
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About The Artist - Q and A with Artist |
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Q: How would you describe yourself? |
A: “I am dreamer. I am passionate. I love life and I hate wasting any minute of it.” |
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Q: When did you first become interested in art? |
A: “Ever since I was a child I knew I would be an artist. I don’t believe anyone ever suggested this to me. It was a constant knowledge that I’ve carried around with me, ever since I can remember.
As a child, I was always sketching and have no early memories of dolls and toys. When I took my sketching to the walls of our family home, my parents quickly bought me paper and pens of my own. As I grew older, the burning question for me was what kind of an artist I would become. In my late teens, when I was studying in Washington DC, I came across an advert on the wall of a famous muralist who required an assistant. At that moment, it was like a light bulb flashing in my head: “This is what I am meant to be doing. This is IT I!” |
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Q: Where do you take your inspiration? |
A: “I am inspired by beautiful people, beautiful places and things. I also take inspiration and energy from the many excellent interior designers I work with, and by online resources of photographs, like Getty Images and Shutterstock. I am a happy artist and need to be happy to paint.” |
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Q: Why do you have such a passion for outdoor mural work? |
A: “Unlike art viewed in galleries, there is something deliciously unexpected about outdoor murals. Visible from miles around, they take on a life of their own, populating the urban landscape and also changing it.” |
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Q: What is the difference between working with indoor murals and why do you enjoy it so much? |
A: “The main difference lies in the size and texture of the murals and in the availability of direct light. Indoor murals are seen close up, not at a distance. They are therefore smaller, less dramatic and far more detailed. I create indoor murals in a range of styles and genres (for example, Classical, Baroque, contemporary) and love the variety and detail of this work. For each assignment, I take up the challenge and undertake a tremendous amount of research, experimenting with materials and styles until I hit on the precise look I have in mind.” |
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Q: What is special about your furniture range? |
A: “My furniture range came about with my fascination with different surfaces, textures and materials, so I experimented with inlaying pearl, steel , resin and faux stones within exotic woods like Palisander and also within Walnut ....it's a limited range but my first collection was sold out , which made me very happy , I've sold some pieces in Geneva and in Cairo and currently in London ....” |
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Q: How did you start working with candles? |
A: “I have always believed we look best in candle light and, when I throw large dinners, they are only ever candle lit. Once, many years ago I stumbled on an old barrel in the street in Cairo. I cleaned it and converted it into an 80 kilo candle, richly painting the sides. People loved it and began placing orders immediately. What began with a hobby very soon became a line that I do. Today, my scented candles are truly a thriving business. I supply private individuals and large companies, hotels and institutions with candles in all shapes and sizes. ” |