Carving out a new concept

BIG-HEARTED artist Yasmine Rasool has put down her paint brush to try her hand at sculpting and will unveil her latest work during a joint exhibition which opens today.

The 23-year old teacher, art therapist and photographer, from Sanad, is hoping to carve out similar success to the acclaim she has already received for her paintings.

"I have been interested in sculptures for some time and have recently been visiting carpentry workshops to learn more about how different tools function," said Yasmine, who also keep busy as a public relations and operational assistant with interior design company, Plan Concepts.

Having mastered the skill, her first sculpture made from wood will go on display at the Al Riwaq Gallery until April 20 and funds raised will go to cancer charities.

"I also have been working at a clinic for disabled children," added Yasmine, who has a Bahraini father and Turkish mother. "I have introduced the children to art therapy. I am focusing on a beautiful Jordanian girl allowing her to open up her senses with art therapy.

"I also teach painting and photography classes at the gallery and there will be a new schedule of classes beginning next month. I love teaching the beauty of art and allowing children to appreciate the smaller things in life at a young age.

"The children who attend are aged between two and five. I grew up loving colour - it's what drives me to want to paint and create pieces of art."

Yasmine gained a degree in psychology and studio arts from the Concordia College in Montreal, Canada, which allowed her to study photography, sculpting, ceramics, film making, drawing and painting.

"I did everything to gain a wider understanding of the creative field. I would like to make a movie someday. Many of my paintings depict a snap shot of movie sets," she said.

"When I have a short amount of time or when I want a quick reaction to my work, I do abstract paintings.

"I enjoy photography and portraits mean a lot to me, especially looking into someone's eyes and reading their story. Eyes say so much about a person.

"Being an artist is a continuous learning process. There is always room to develop - I learn from each painting.

"Even while teaching my students, I never allow them to use an eraser. If you make a mess, paint over it. If you can't deal with it, put it aside and start again."

Yasmine explained that she wants to help artists in Bahrain to come out of their shells and show off their talents to the world.

She also feels the need to communicate with visitors who come to her shows. "I would normally ask people what they see in my art. I am not after compliments because they don't get you anywhere. But I like to watch how people study the painting."

Yasmine is also part of the group 'Trois' including fellow artists Maha Al Sahaf and Layla Al Rayes.

"The group symbolises our art - conceptually, talent and most importantly our thought provoking discussions and debates, which focus on important past and contemporary world issues," she said.

Yasmine is currently looking for a spot on the island where she can open a workshop, a space of her own to express her talents and also work towards encouraging others to do the same.