Asma Parveen founded Asma’s Khattati in August 2020 and is on her own journey to spread positivity through her art pieces. Awakened by difficult times, Asma adopted the art of Arabic calligraphy to find inner peace and center her mind by being surrounded by nothing but positivity. Little did she know that her own set-up to get through her difficult times would lead her to an unimaginable path of making art her second-home and turning it into something that would be delivered to people as a constant reminder to stay positive and have patience. 

In an exclusive interview with OoWER, Asma has talked about how art became her escape when she was going through a tough time in her life and not only has it given her life a new meaning and perspective but she also wishes to be a source of help to others via her art pieces. 

Oower:  The meaning of the word ‘Art’ is more like self-expression, so what is your take on it? 

Asma: I have always been all about arts the idea of creating things from nothing to something always fascinated me. My life has been full of experiments with different artistic inclination. The earliest memory of my drawing is of as young as 4-5 years old when my mom would pretend to compete with me, and I was always the winner. Art comes to me as does life, I believe my passion for drawing came from my paternal grandfather, he was not an artist but he did unusual things like sewing, knitting, and other things that are often deemed “inappropriate” for men. I never received any formal training in sketching but I would practice a lot when I was younger and now when people appreciate my work it feels great even though the numbers are few. I have been into English calligraphy for years, when I was younger I would do calligraphy for my school posters but never in my wildest dreams, I thought of pursuing it as a career.  

Instagram: @thelonelylunatic

Oower:  Every artist has their own style, tell us about your own personal style

Asma: I am not inclined to any specific style. I used to do English Calligraphy and later on I started Arabic calligraphy not very long time ago. It began as a hobby or a way of healing my unhinged heart. In times as depressing as these, Quran was the only means for me to feel whole. My friends motivated me to do something about my love for art, so here I am trying my luck with Arabic calligraphy, in spreading positivity. We Muslims believe Quran is the ultimate medicine for a broken heart. I would love to make things for everyone irrespective of their religion or caste if I am provided with an opportunity and be a help in disguise by delivering beautiful pieces of positivity. 

Instagram: @thelonelylunatic

Oower:  We all go through phases we find difficult and the taboo around it only makes it worse. As you yourself have been victim to a similar situation, tell us how it was and how you came out of it? 

Asma: I have been one of those privileged kids to have been born in a family well provided with but art was not taken seriously at home so I couldn’t seek professional training. But I thank my genes, for it made it easier for me to learn the art all by myself, all my siblings could draw well, maybe that was the reason I was not taken seriously as an artist. But with time my mom would persist that I should keep drawing because she realized I was a happier person while doing so. My main struggle in life was depression. It was the worst phase of my life, and it still is. People take mental health very lightly, little do they know it can alter and end lives prematurely. I have always been a somber person from the inside and chirpy from the outside, I would hide my depression well but eventually, things got out of my hands. There were times when routine activities were becoming harder for me to carry out, leave alone focusing on my love for art or poetry, Yeah, I am an occasional writer too. My only purpose in life then was to survive my depression. I had stopped drawing for years as depression was taking a toll on me, but eventually, support from my family and friends helped me get back to my real motivated self. My biggest motivation right now is my husband, who has been immensely helpful in me pursuing calligraphy as a career.

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