Maker Monday: Louna Hamad
Louna Hamad is an artist who graduated in 2011 from the University of Damascus Faculty of Fine arts specializing in painting and drawing. She finalized her Master’s Degree in Digital Media and Communications from the University of Nicosia in 2014 and started working as Digital Media Executive in Dubai from 2015 till 2019. Currently she is working on her own Fashion/Accessories brand in Montreal, Canada.
What do you make?
I make handmade colorful, unique fashion and masks. I am also a graphic designer so I have a Redbubble account where I create cool designs to be printed on many different products. I started my project in April. I'm still very new but I'm confident of my work and I hope everyone will love it <3
When did you first become inspired to start creating?
I always loved to create things with my hands. I was inspired by my grandmother and my mother who have taught me to create my own things and who have supported me along my artistic journey. In the past few years, I've been trying to do my own project and learned so much from my mistakes. Recently I created Triping LH which will present to the world a virtual visit to my artistic journey hoping for it to succeed and become a physical store one day, where I can see people's reactions to my work. my first product for Triping LH was the mask. I was so annoyed by wearing the mask I wanted to create a more comfortable way for me to wear it. at that point, it was purely for personal use. I created a mask that I could wear like glasses, flexible to adjust around the ears, nose, and chin I LOVED IT. People around me started asking me about my mask and were interested to try it. So I bought a sewing machine and started making these masks to sell. I started on growing my skills and learn how to make actual fashion pieces with beautiful unique fabrics that are super colorful and vibrant. They will look great with MTL summer vibes <3
What is art to you personally? To me, personally, art is creation. Putting a piece of your soul as an artist into an item will bring it to life and a piece of art itself needs to be appreciated like any other being in this universe. Art has a soul. Art tells a story. Art is part of our everyday life. It gives us energy and inspiration.
Why do you create? What is your spark? Originally, I am an artist of painting and drawing, but I got attached to many other forms of art, like sewing, designing, content creation, and fabrics throughout my journey. I learned more about colors and types of printing for apparel. However, my spark has always been the story behind the piece that I am making and the exclusiveness of its looks. I also aim for the art that I am making to be useful and bring the person that has it positivity.
Tell us about the progress you've made since you first started I was visiting Dubai in April when I started working on my brand. I was lucky enough to participate in a Market there for handmade Artizana called "the Ripe Market". It was successful and nice, as a first experience, I wish to do it again in Montreal.
Who/what are your biggest influences?
Nature and human behavior are my biggest influences. I don't have anyone famous that inspires me but like I mentioned before, my grandmother was a great inspiration and great support before she passed away. She is always with me now.
How have your life experiences influenced your art style?
For the past 11 years, I have been traveling a lot, finishing my education and trying to work, and have recently moved to Canada. All these travels opened up my eyes to many things. Coming originally from Syria, I care a lot about history and I appreciate art a lot but during my travels, I learned new things. I learned diversity and I saw pain and love. I saw color in nature that I've never thought existed. I was lucky enough to meet people from different nationalities, to travel more, to go to Asia and learn about its culture. I was lucky enough to love and to be loved, to lose people that I've loved. To meet my life partner and to have friends all around. Every word here influenced my Art. This instability influenced my art; that's why it's always changing. It's always developing to become better and to cope with my surroundings.
If you had all the resources in the world (time, money, etc) would you still make the kind of art you make?
Yes, but I will make it better and better. I would work with other creative minds and artists. I would definitely support handmade makers and creative minds.
What does success mean to you?
Success is the flower after a long winter. Without this long winter, the flower wouldn't have bloomed. Success is beautiful.
Were you born an artist or made an artist?
I think I was born an artist. Nothing satisfies me more than creating things. Nothing satisfy more than the process of doing my art pieces. I go through all my feelings during this stage. I get excited, happy, angry, emotional, pleased, humble,d and honored every time. It's magical.
What is your favorite tool/thing to work with? I don't know if I can answer like this but honestly, my eyes and my hands and literally everything I can use. Only clay is a bit difficult for me.
Triping LH