Born and raised in Kuwait, Sarah Chouari’s passion for art was ignited ever since she was just a child in school. “I went on to university to study Fine Arts,” Sarah elaborated, “and found myself having to minor in Graphic Design to have a ‘usable degree’ because of societal pressures. And bazaar was my first design job straight out of university!” We sat down with Sarah to firstly catch up, and to learn more about her journey and why she opened up the beloved ArtSpace – “because I truly believe there’s an artist in everyone!”
After her time with bazaar, Sarah moved on to an advertising agency for a while before calling it quits and leaving Kuwait. “I couldn’t find myself in graphic design, it just wasn’t me.” Newly unemployed, Sarah decided to study cake decorating as an expansion to her art studies and went on to open Sarah’s Bakery in Dubai. “Cake decorating is an art form,” Sarah smiled, “So I started to put my art on the cakes I was baking!” After that, she headed to the United States for a couple of years before relocating back to Kuwait.
Wanting to do what she loved and and make it accessible to Kuwait, Sarah teamed up with her friends and fellow art appreciators Raghda Youssef and Soos Farasheh to bring us ArtSpace. “I couldn’t have done any of this without my team, I truly am blessed.” Giving the people here the opportunity to learn the basics of art, Sarah and her team crave to simply provide the people with the basics to express themselves in any way they can. Understanding that it’s not for everyone, she continues to urge people to “just try it!” Since its inception, ArtSpace has expanded beyond offering basic painting classes. Today, the artsy haven provides a plethora of classes in other mediums: Art journaling, dance classes, drawing, pottery, music classes, and even cooking!
“Everyone needs a form of art in their lives to help them cope with every day stresses,” Sarah went on. “Art isn’t just about painting, it’s about everything around us – that’s why it’s called ArtSpace, because we’re a space that provides you with the tools to create art in all its forms.”
TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Life – I had to call her for that since she describes me in so many different words.
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Inspirational – it was personally challenging to pick just a word for this one.
What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
“Are you really Tunisian?” I mean, why would I joke about my nationality, “yizzi 3ad!” [laughs]
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Joined a baking and cake decorating school for a year.
What is your theme song?
“Creep” – Radiohead.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Toz – I like how light and short this word is, yet so powerful in different situations.
Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?
For so long, it was Sharm El Sheikh, a house on the beach during the day and a lively atmosphere at night. But the world changed since then, so I am stuck with no current answer for this question.
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
“Do something instead of killing time. Because time is killing you.” – Paulo Coelho
What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?
Lion: Hunts, cares, responsible and self-esteem.
What do you miss about your childhood?
The limitless imagination.
If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
Alice.
How would you describe your handshake in one word?
Uptight – with a welcoming smile.
What is the toughest part of your character?
Stubborn.
Who is your favorite historical figure?
Zaha Hadid.
What in the world do you least desire?
People eating with their mouth open.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place?
Definitely art – in all its forms.
Why do you think most girls/guys like you?
From what I keep hearing from my friends: I support and believe in people.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…”
ART!
ArtSpace is located on the second floor of Galleria Mall – Salem Al Mubarak Street, Salmiya. Follow them on Instagram @ArtSpaceQ8 for workshop schedules, events and all their awesome happenings! Image courtesy of Yousef A. Menem – follow him on Instagram @YousefMenem.
