MARYAM Al-Subaie’s paintings show how much the environment has influenced her. She focuses on realism in her paintings and the power of eastern colors. She has continued to improve her drawing and is able to express her feelings through her drawings. Sayidaty interviewed the Saudi female artist and talked to her about her work.
Q: When did you begin drawing?
I began early; my family helped me to improve my painting and drawing skills. My family likes art and they encouraged me to study it. The result was that I went to King Saud University and graduated with a major in art.
Q: There are many talented artists who have not specialized in drawing. Why did you concentrate on drawing?
Maybe because I am like any other Saudi woman who tries to find a way to express what goes on in her mind in a way that is compatible with our culture. For me, drawing is the only way that I can transform and express the reality of Saudi women and the environment they live in.
Q: What did you do after graduating?
I worked in a design institute and made drawings of furniture, walls and doors.
Q: Do you express your opinions and thoughts through your drawings?
Of course. Many of my paintings and drawings show beautiful parts of the Kingdom. When I work in a house, I concentrate on the nature of the people who live in it as well as the decoration and the house design. They all help me to create ideas that will satisfy the client.
Q: What school do you belong to?
I do not belong to any school. I only draw what I like and what comes into my mind. I am realistic in my paintings and drawing. I do not want to be influenced by any school. If I draw, I draw my country and the beauty of it. I just add a bit of realism. I love to draw the desert and the things used in the desert and show them to the new generation.
Q: What are your favorite colors?
Eastern colors and blue — the color of sea and the sky.
Q: What about women in your drawings?
Women have the best position in my drawings. I have tried to draw men in my work but every time I do, I find myself drawing more women in the pictures.
Q: Do you sense any interest by society in drawing?
Lately there has been and we have even seen some encouragement from the press. This in turn encourages artists to participate in exhibitions.
Q: How do you manage a balance between home and work?
I draw my pictures at home. I try to coordinate between work and home. I am engaged but not married yet and so I have a lot of free time. After I get married, I will have to be fair to both my work and my marriage. I usually finish my drawing quickly but I try to be as accurate as possible.
Q: What are your ambitions as far as drawing?
I try to work hard. I hope that I will one day be able to have my own exhibition. That’s something for me to work on and look forward to after my wedding.