1. What inspired you to make the work in this show?
I have a large body of work from years of working at Phoenix Community College and Phoenix Centre for the Arts. I felt it was time to showcase my large body of work and quirky sense of humour with friends and family.
2. Do you have a favorite piece?
I don't necessarily have a favourite piece. I enjoyed the creative process and often was surprised by the outcome as I don’t always have a pre-conceived plan. I did have fun with the mixed media collages using car repair manuals, sewing patterns, maps etc, especially the bathrobed man from the Simplicity pattern and the weird creatures.
3. Why did you become an artist?
I was always an artist at heart and should have just gone to art school as an undergraduate. Instead, I have an undergraduate degree in Biology from Syracuse University (and partly from Kuwait University), and then a graduate degree from the U of Arizona in Landscape Architecture. When I returned to Phoenix after having our daughter in Kuwait, I was looking for places to take classes. Chris, my husband, helped me in this respect as he is from Phoenix. I took classes with various instructors in the valley and then landed at Phoenix Community College. Our instructor and now friend, Joey Baker, was a huge influence in opening my eyes to watercolour and its possibilities.
4. Where do you find the materials used in your mixed media work?
I find materials everywhere! Of course, the usual places like art stores, but for my mixed media pieces, I have used maps, sewing patterns, car repair manuals, receipts, and more. I used stencils for applying henna, regular stencils, and all sorts of paper.
5. How has traveling to different countries affected your work?
Travelling opens your eyes up to different landscapes, people, music, so yes, I do get influenced by where I am. Visiting galleries, museums, architecture, and gardens, music definitely influences me.
6. Are there any special items in your studio that inspire you when you create? Or music?
Like many artists, we are drawn to objects, images, sounds. I have shells, a crab pincer, and children's books that inspire me. I have an insatiable curiosity in experimenting with new ideas. Online tutorials are also a fun way of seeing what is happening in the art world, and I enjoy learning from them.
7. People love to get to know artists, so can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
Interesting fact...hmm...thats a hard one. Growing up between Kuwait, Germany, and now in Phoenix has formed who I am. I am lucky to have a broad outlook on life. I am content that I have been consistent with staying focused on learning and continuing my art practice. I am honored to be part of a wonderful community of friends and family who inspire and encourage me.
You can find Yasmin’s work from this collection and other works on https://www.artsy.net/artist/yasmin-al-mutawa. Follow Yasmin on Instagram @almutawayasmin and Facebook @yasmin.almutawa.