In an age where art can be mass produced very quickly using software, there are still artists who enjoy creating slowly and methodically. Using old-school materials, ingenuity and pure creativity, Sakina Kunwa creates beautifully hand drawn stop-motion paper videos that tell relatable stories.
Born and raised in Kuwait, Sakina got a Master’s degree in finance but found her true calling in the arts. “I always thought people took art very seriously while I always looked at art as a stress buster. When we are kids we do exactly that – we take art, craft as a way to relax, to explore. In my art, I want to bring about that childlike curiosity and entertainment for the viewer,” she explained.
Kunwa derives a lot of her inspiration from the culture and life she grew up in, between being an Indian expat and living in Kuwait. She visits India every year and many of her stop-motion videos are clearly influenced by her heritage. From custard apples to Indian dishes, her ongoing India-based videos are a colorful window into the culture.
Despite being creatively inclined her whole life, whether at school or college she never thought of making a career of it. She is completely self-taught and enjoys learning on her own. But she also hopes to teach what she has learned and aspires to create a comprehensive stop motion course someday. Her chosen medium is interesting and quite unique.
“My friends and family always tease me that I see everything in small sizes and draw everything tiny! Also, that I’m a short person. I just find it so intriguing to draw miniatures size drawings on paper and make them do big things!,” Kunwa elaborated.
The drawings might be small, but the finished videos are involved and time-consuming. It usually takes her 9-14 days to finish a video, which is a lot of time especially when you consider that the result is under a minute of animation. Commercial jobs can take even longer, because she needs to get the client on board and they both need to agree on the mood of the video.
Clients have specific requirements which often make the process more time consuming. But she loves being able to transform someone’s idea into a paper stop-motion.
“I spent a few weeks on an idea creating a mood board and drawings. These weeks are crucial and totally consume me. Even after all the planning, the shoot day comes with its own set of challenges. Followed by editing which defines the story,” Kunwa explained her process to us. She also uses a combination of paper and real props depending on the storyline and technique she is using.
We have also recently been seeing her work as a food stylist. Her sister is @kulsumkunwa, renowned food photographer in the Middle East. Sakina started out helping on shoots and figured out that she really enjoys it, and we can tell that she is a natural at it. Branching out seems to work for her too. “It helps me use my creative mojo in more than one field and I love it. I also love doing crafts and cooking,” she told us.
If you visit her Instagram profile, and you absolutely should, you will notice that she has a couple of ongoing series that keep popping up. “Most of the series related to motherhood were greatly received and are close to my heart because it is based on my motherhood experience. But currently, loving the Indian based series too,” she tells us.
As viewers we love the continuity and the slow but steady evolution of her style and talent. And she’s definitely not done, she told us that she would love to work for Amul, an Indian dairy brand because she has always admired their brand and thinks they match her aesthetic.
To aspiring artists she says, “Get organized and get making! The only way to succeed is to put in the hard work and getting started”. And we might just take her advice and try our hand at creating some art.
TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Brave.
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Strong.
What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
To be honest I haven’t found any question that ridiculous, I don’t mind silly questions, but one instant a client kept addressing me as a slow- motion artist instead of stop motion and I think that was hilarious.
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
I left my finance job and started my freelance career as a stop motion animator.
What is your theme song?
Kishore Kumar’s song – Yeh Shaam Mastani.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Let’s go!
Where would you like to live?
I love living in Kuwait, but yes I need a vacation in India from time to time.
What is your dream retirement location?
Galiyakot, my hometown in Rajasthan.
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
Dreams do come true.
Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?
Monkey.
Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it?
I miss dancing in the rain.
If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
“Sakin” haha because it matches with my Instagram username.
How would you describe your handshake, in one word?
Awkward.
What is the toughest part of your character?
My temper.
Who is your favourite historical figure?
Mahatma Gandhi.
What in the world do you least desire?
Beauty.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?
Self-Love.
Why do you think most people who do, like you?
Honesty.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…” … following your dream.
Ready to see some fabulous moving art? Follow @sakinanimation on Instagram.
