Within the colourful fabric of Dubai’s artistic community, Safa and Sarah Peshimam stand as luminaries, weaving together a kaleidoscope of artistry, innovation, and philanthropy. Safa, known as the enigmatic “Kalopsia Wiz,” emerges as a dynamic force in the world of art, poetry, and digital creation. Her accolades as an award-winning artist and poet are matched only by her unwavering commitment to philanthropy, leaving an indelible mark on both the local and international stage. Alongside her, Sarah Peshimam, with her multifaceted talents in graphic and interior design, crafts visual marvels that transcend boundaries. Together, the Peshimam sisters are the driving force behind Hayat Arts, an organization dedicated to nurturing emerging talents and celebrating contemporary art in all its forms. With their creative synergy, they illuminate the path for aspiring artists and enthusiasts alike, inspiring a new era of artistic expression and innovation. In this interesting interview, they took us through the various mediums of creativity.
Safa has an impressive array of talents and accomplishments across various creative fields. We asked Safa what initially sparked her interest in art, poetry, and digital content creation, and she answered,
“My journey into the world of art, poetry, and digital content creation began with a deep-seated curiosity and a passion for storytelling. As a child, I found myself captivated by the colors and shapes around me, which led me to pick up a brush and explore the canvas. Additionally, it was a way of expressing emotions that words alone could not convey. On the other hand, poetry became my avenue for the rhythmic flow of words.
As I grew older, the digital realm sparked my interest in digital content creation, combining my love for art and poetry to create captivating digital experiences. Overall, my journey into art, poetry, and digital content creation has been driven by a desire to connect with others and share stories that resonate with the human experience. Each of these creative fields has allowed me to explore different aspects of my creativity and express myself in unique ways.” She illustrated poetically.
As a self-taught international award-winning artist, Safa wears many hats. She opened up about honing her skills and developing a unique artistic style,
“Without formal training, my journey has been a personal exploration of creativity and self-expression, I relied on my passion for art and a deep curiosity to learn and grow. I immersed myself in the world of art, studying the works of masters, experimenting with different techniques, and constantly pushing the boundaries of my creativity.
My artistic style, influenced by the UAE’s rich cultural heritage and cinema’s visual storytelling, has evolved organically over time, incorporating fluid movements and choreography from movies into my paintings through various art mediums and techniques.
My style is influenced by my desire to capture people’s emotions through brushstrokes, reflecting stories and experiences that shape us. I believe art is not just about creating beautiful pictures but also about evoking emotions and connecting with others on a deeper level. Predominantly, my journey as a self-taught artist has been a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. It’s a constant evolution, a journey of self-discovery, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.” She added with enthusiasm.
Sarah Peshimam complements her sister’s artistic flair with her unique blend of design prowess. Sarah is a multi-talented creative in graphic design, interior design, and digital content creation. She shared the story of choosing these multiple roles,
“My journey into the world of graphic design, interior design, and digital content creation has been a multifaceted one. It all began with a spark of curiosity and a passion for creativity. My innate love for aesthetics and design led me to pursue formal education in interior design, where I immersed myself in studying the fundamentals of interior design, from color theory to spatial planning, and began applying these principles to real-world projects.
However, my creative spirit led me to explore graphic design and digital creation, combining my love for design with storytelling. This new passion allowed me to craft compelling narratives through visual media, showcasing the endless possibilities for growth and skill development.” Sarah spoke about her creativity.
Safa’s talents are manifold, spanning across digital creation, poetry, photography, and fashion. She is a poet whose works have garnered international acclaim, her poetry book, “Elegy,” earned the prestigious Rabindranath Tagore Literature Award. Safa told us the inspiration behind the themes and emotions explored in this collection,
“Elegy,” my poetry book, delves into a myriad of emotions, drawing inspiration from life’s poignant moments and the intricate journey of human experiences. Each poem is a heartfelt exploration of sorrow, grief, pain, love, happiness, and friendship, resonating with readers on a deeply personal level.
“Elegy” is a poem reflecting my journey and universal truths. It invites readers to empathize and find solace in shared human experiences. The Rabindranath Tagore Literature Award signifies a deep connection with readers and the poetry’s ability to transcend boundaries and touch hearts.” Safa blushed with pride.
In addition to artistic pursuits, Safa is also an International Ambassador and member of various organizations. She revealed to us the secret of balancing artistic endeavours with her roles as a public figure and ambassador,
“That’s the challenge I constantly face. As the International Ambassador in India and Ambassador of Art for Italy, I am deeply committed to inspiring the upcoming generation, letting them know that with passion and perseverance, they can achieve their dreams too. At just 22, receiving numerous awards has been a humbling experience, and it drives me to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic horizons.
As a member of TAA – The Art Association in Geneva, Switzerland, I am committed to promoting peace through art, using it to spread positivity and understanding among diverse cultures and communities. Balancing artistic pursuits and public figure responsibilities requires meticulous time management and a strong sense of purpose. Passion and responsibility are essential, as each effort contributes to a more vibrant and harmonious world through art, ensuring a balanced approach.” Safa affirmed.
In the world of graphic design, Sarah emerges as a mind that brings concepts to life through visual mediums. Sarah continued,
“When I embark on a new project, my creative process is a blend of passion, curiosity, and methodical exploration. It all begins with an idea, often sparked by something I’ve seen, experienced, or felt deeply. I immerse myself in research, diving into books, images, and experiences related to the concept, allowing my mind to absorb and reinterpret the information. This phase is crucial, as it shapes the foundation of my work, influencing everything from color choices to composition.
I begin by translating ideas into sketches and experimenting with both traditional and digital mediums to explore visual compositions. As the final piece is visualized, each element’s contribution to the narrative is carefully considered. During execution, a balance of spontaneity and control guides the process, with every brushstroke or digital stroke intentionally shaping the visual language of the artwork.
Throughout the creative process, I remain open to feedback and iteration, continually refining the work until it aligns with the initial inspiration. This journey of ideation, exploration, and execution fosters self-discovery and artistic growth with each new project.” She flawlessly walks us through her creative process when tackling a new project.
Switching to Safa, she donated an artwork to the Telavi Historical Museum in Georgia. She told us more about the artwork and what inspired her to make this donation,
“Donating my artwork, “Lines of Joy,” to the Telavi Historical Museum in Georgia was a deeply meaningful decision for me, intertwining my passion for art with a profound sense of giving back to the community. “Lines of Joy” is more than just a piece of art; it’s a manifestation of emotions—of happiness, serenity, and togetherness. Through a vibrant blend of greens, yellows, whites, and a hint of contrasting blue, I aimed to create a visual symphony that resonates with the soul.
The Telavi Historical Museum holds a special place in my heart, as it represents Georgian history and culture’s rich heritage. Contributing to the museum’s collection honours its legacy and preserves collective heritage for future generations. Also, the Telavi Historical Museum will celebrate its centenary next year, and I am overjoyed to know that my painting will witness its 100th anniversary.
As a philanthropist, I believe in giving back to society, and by sharing “Lines of Joy” with the museum, I aim to spread positivity and inspiration, expressing gratitude to the community for providing a platform for showcasing talents and recognition. This donation embodies a harmonious blend of art, history, and altruism, highlighting the significant impact of our small contributions to our society’s cultural landscape.” Safa emphasized.
Nowadays there are a lot of digital content creators and staying unique is not an easy job. Sarah creates designs that resonate with her audience and she shared her most rewarding experience,
“Creating digital content is a thrilling journey for me, as it allows me to weave creativity with technology, resulting in captivating experiences for my audience. What I find most rewarding in this process is the ability to connect with people on a profound level, inspire them, evoke emotions, and spark conversations. The satisfaction of knowing that my work has made a positive impact, whether it’s through educating, entertaining, or empowering others, is truly fulfilling.
Creating designs that resonate with the target audience involves more than aesthetics; it requires understanding their needs, preferences, and aspirations. Through extensive research into demographics, psychographics, and market trends, I gain insights that form the foundation of designs that captivate and connect with the audience’s hearts and minds.
Moreover, I believe in the power of storytelling. Every design I create tells a story, evoking emotions and forging connections with the audience on a deeper level. Whether it’s through compelling visuals, engaging narratives, or interactive elements, I strive to craft experiences that resonate with the unique experiences and perspectives of my audience. Feedback and iteration are also integral parts of my process; I listen attentively to the responses of my audience, adapt to their evolving needs, and refine my designs accordingly.” Sarah explained the process.
Safa has a keen interest in fashion and she loves to experiment. She elaborated on her passion for fashion as this influenced her artistic creations,
“As an artist with a passion for fashion is a blend of style and artistic expression, expressing my identity, emotions, and creativity. My clothing is a visual language that speaks volumes, reflecting my mood, aspirations, and cultural influences. Each garment and accessory is a brushstroke in my style, expressing my inner self.
Fashion, for me, is not just about following trends; it’s about cultivating confidence and self-assurance. Wearing an outfit that aligns with my aesthetic empowers me to conquer the day. This transformative power drives my artistic endeavours, inspiring me to explore new colours, textures, and silhouettes in my art.
My passion for fashion is a crucial part of my artistic expression, shaping my perception of the world and allowing me to channel my creativity in unexpected ways. Fashion offers liberation, self-expression, and endless opportunities to create beauty, showcasing the boundless possibilities of artistic vision.” Safa replied.
Before concluding, we asked them about Hayat Arts, an organization dedicated to supporting the art community. They curiously told us about the inspiration and its impact on the art scene in Dubai and beyond,
“Hayat Arts was born from a shared passion for art and a desire to support and showcase the talents of artists who may not yet have found their spotlight. As an artist, poet, and international ambassador myself, alongside my sister’s background in interior design, graphic design, and digital creation, we felt a deep connection to the creative community and wanted to make a meaningful impact.
Our journey began with a simple yet powerful goal: to discover and promote new artists who, like us, were eager to share their creativity with the world but lacked the platform to do so. Through Hayat Arts, we aimed to bridge this gap and provide a space where artists of all backgrounds and mediums could come together, collaborate, and showcase their work without fear of judgment.
Since our inception, we have organized five art exhibitions (Bidayatan – The Beginning, Whispers of Love, Iman – celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, Tranquility – admiring nature’s beauty, and the most recent, Voyage – which is the first of a series of 7 exhibitions, (one in each emirate in the UAE) and one live art event (Legendary Queens) in honor of International Women’s Day in February and March. Each of these exhibitions featured 60% new artists who had never exhibited before. This achievement fills us with pride and reinforces our commitment to supporting emerging talents.” The Peshimam sisters wrapped up this beautiful conversation with an insight into their commitment to supporting other artists.
