This Inspire Your Heart With Art Day, we are celebrating the incredible impact art can have on people’s lives. Ayshea Ahmed, author of A Wild and Beautiful Art: The Life of Joan Eardley and The Wonderful World of Madge Gill: Outsider Artist and Visionary, is one of many who hold art very close to their heart. Read on to hear how art has influenced her work…
Ayshea says…
“Art has always held a significant place in human culture, serving as a mirror reflecting back to us our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Whether through vivid paintings, enchanting music, or captivating books, art has the power to transcend borders and connect individuals. For me, the value of art is not just in its aesthetic but in its ability to provoke thought, inspire change, and foster understanding among diverse communities. This realisation has deeply influenced my decision to embark on the journey of writing and illustrating my own books.
Art enables us to express emotions that words often fail to capture. As an artist, I have found that visual storytelling allows for a unique narrative that intertwines imagery and text. Illustrating a book feels like breathing life into the characters and the scenes from their lives that spark images from within my own imagination. It creates a dual-layer of communication: one that speaks to the heart and another that engages the mind. This blend of artistry and literature becomes a powerful tool that allows readers to immerse themselves into a world of creativity and imagination.
Creating books has become a personal mission for me. Each story I tell through words and illustrations is an exploration of themes that resonate deeply within me. Whether it’s themes of love, loss, adventure, or resilience, the act of crafting these narratives is a form of catharsis. As I illustrate the pages, I find a sense of healing and connection, not just with my own experiences, but also with those of my subjects and readers.
In a world increasingly dominated by technology, I believe that the tactile nature of books offers a refreshing alternative. There’s something profound about holding a book in your hands, the smell of ink on paper, and the anticipation of turning the next page. This physical engagement complements the artistic element, enhancing the overall impact of a story. Through my illustrations, I hope to create a visual experience that captivates readers and invites them to linger on each page.
Furthermore, art has a unique ability to address societal issues and challenges in a way that is accessible and relatable. Books with illustrations can shed light on important themes and provoke discussions among diverse audiences. It is my desire to contribute to this dialogue through my work, exploring complex issues and offering perspectives that encourage empathy and understanding. I want my readers to not just see the illustrations but to feel the emotions they evoke, prompting them to reflect on their own lives and the world around them.
The journey of writing and illustrating has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of creativity in everyday life. As artists, we have the responsibility to share our voices and perspectives, inspiring others to do the same. Each book I create is a piece of my heart, a testament to the belief that art matters—both for the creator and the audience.
Writing and illustrating my own books is more than just a creative endeavour; it is a celebration of the transformative power of art. It is my way of contributing to the beautiful tapestry of human expression. As both an artist and a reader, I believe that art is essential in our lives, helping us understand ourselves and each other better. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to embrace their creativity and recognize the profound impact art has on our shared human experience.”
