PERSONAL ARTIST STATEMENT

I encounter my creative process as a cathartic, safe place, and a moment in the day where I, as a human, can escape from some of the more confusing, or uncertain experiences of reality that I live through. To enter a world in which the application of craft, I can attempt to master and express myself in the way that I feel is true or valuable. To me, I see art through the lens of the human experience. 

​

In my creations, I embrace the idea that every individual’s perspective is unique. What one person sees or feels may be entirely different from another’s experience, and this diversity is the true essence of art. Technique, while important, should not overshadow the raw experience of engaging with art. By letting go of rigid techniques and predetermined meanings, I aim to create a space where personal interpretation thrives. This, to me, is the beauty of art—a dynamic, ever-changing dialogue between the work and its audience, where each encounter is a fresh and unique experience.

 

People often mistake my use of black and white for a stylistic choice, but it's not. My OCD prevents me from working with colors. It does not allow me to touch colors, only shades. I create art solely based on what visually pleases me. I never really had a lot of artist training in the past before college, so I was used to just creating things that I found “pretty”. I welcome misunderstanding and criticism, as they foster conversation and inspire new ideas. My refusal to adopt a fixed style grants me ultimate flexibility, giving my art an unparalleled range. I often draw inspiration from what is going on around me in the world, but more predominantly, I gain inspiration by studying the "best" things that artists have done, extract what really speaks to me the most, and input that into my work. In order to do my best work, I also aim to put something of the truth of my own, personal human experience into each piece. 

​

My OCD tendencies influence my approach to color in ways that might initially seem limiting. While some might perceive this as a constraint that could stifle an artist's potential, I see the complete opposite. I see it as an opportunity for innovation and transformation, not only as an artist but as a person as well. The challenge of navigating color limitations compels me to devise solutions creatively and effectively, which in turn becomes a learning process, continuously enlarging my creative ability and thinking. This constraint has been a vital tool in guiding me to cultivate a distinct personal style that I truly resonate with. My OCD, rather than being a hindrance, enriches my creative process and bolsters my confidence, allowing me to tackle artistic and personal challenges with a thoughtful perspective.

​

I believe that art, in its essence, is an existential act—a continuous exploration of human existence that transcends the limitations of language, culture, and experience. Art becomes a means for me to interrogate reality, question the nature of perception, and engage in a dialogue with the unknown. Through this creative process, it is important for me to discover meaning in the act of creating, that emerges between me, the work, and my audience.

 

It serves as both a mirror and a lens, reflecting my inner world while offering new perspectives on the external.

​

​

-FERTIKHMADE

​