From Aspiration to Artistry
Defined by resilience and reverence, Mehwish is a Canada-based artist whose creative journey began decades before she picked up a qalam. Born in Saudi Arabia, her childhood was marked by a love for paints and colors, a dream of designing books and cards, and awe for the verses she’d see inscribed on the walls of the Khana Ka'ba and Masjid al-Nabawi. Sitting before the Ka'ba, she would immerse herself in the words etched into the black cloth, marveling at their meaning, wondering how such magnificence was brought to life. Those moments planted a dream—an unshakable desire to understand and create such timeless beauty.
But life had other plans, steering her toward medicine, business management, and postgraduate studies. Yet, the monotony of deadlines could not fill the creative void within her, a yearning that grew louder every day. It was not a career she sought, but a return to her true self.
In 2017, Mehwish rekindled this long-buried passion and took her first steps toward mastering the craft that had always lived within her. Two years later, at Shailaz Studio, she held a qalam for the first time, tracing Arabic letters with a sense of purpose. This moment proved pivotal, sparking a desire to dive deeper into traditional Calligraphy.
Guided by her intuition, she sought expert instruction, eventually studying under Seemi Paracha and Sir Mahfooz Ahmed. They introduced Mehwish to a world where Calligraphy and Tezhip converged with other disciplines – Ebru’s marbling, the timelessness of bookbinding, the textures of papermaking, and the meditative nature of sketching and watercoloring.
She embraced the beauty of Thuluth and Naskh,
two scripts known for their elegance and discipline, perfecting proportions and grace. The meticulous process taught her patience and perseverance, instilling an appreciation for the ancient traditions of Calligraphy. Each line and curve deepened her affection, setting a solid foundation for the continued exploration of Islamic art.
Amid life's many trials and transitions, Mehwish clung to her art till date under the mentorship of Ayten Tiryaki Hoçam —a constant in a sea of change. Today, art is her silent strength, serving as a reminder of her perseverance.
