If you don’t know already, us at bazaar are super keen on all things art, and we love getting our hands dirty. That is why when we had the chance to pop over to State of Art, a vibrant, cozy haven for all things creative, we jumped at the chance. Not only did we get to experience a great workshop, but we caught up with Abrar Zenkawi, the half Kuwaiti, half Hungarian dynamo behind it all – the art enthusiast and powerhouse of positive vibes. Abrar is all about the good vibes and living life to the fullest! Life’s too short to not take chances or at least try, she tells us. “I’m passionate about what I do, love self-challenges, and believe in doing what makes you happy. So, you’ll often find me chilling, doing what I love, and proving to myself that I can do it.”
The studio was born out of Abrar’s love for art. Even though she majored in English Linguistics, she followed her heart and found herself more often with a canvas than a textbook. State of Art was born when Abrar struggled to find a spot to paint. She was illustrating at a café with her friend, and now business partner, Ghadeer Al-Awadhi. She threw the idea out there, and fast-forward, here she is, running fabulous workshops out of her bright and airy studio in the heart of Kuwait City. Their goal is to grow the studio, make it a space for creativity, and turn it into an ‘it’ spot where people can just relax and get artsy.
State of Art was launched last year but Abrar and Ghadeer were very chill initially, they recently started booking more workshops and the space is thriving so much so that they recently had to expand. And the vibe you ask? “It is all about stress-free creative therapy,” Abrar shares.
“We’ve got all ages joining us. Art is for everyone! We’re providing a cozy space for people to let loose and try their hand at art. We get folks who’ve never painted before, and they’re amazed by what they create. Everyone’s welcome!” she continues.
Abrar tells us that she is really grateful for all of the support. She has loved setting up the business with her friend and partner, although they struggled with finding the perfect location that had parking. Art has always been her thing, but in the past 5 years, it became her main thing. The studio was always on her wishlist. Dreams do come true, right?
Abrar tells us that she never stopped believing in her dream of owning a studio and she lived by the words “Do what you love, and don’t let fear stop you. Whether you share it with the world or keep it to yourself, just go for it. If you fail, well, at least you tried!” She suggests that others do the same.
At present, State of the Art studio is only for bookings for private workshops or joining the ones they announce. However, there are plans for certain walk-in days. The most popular workshops so far include textured painting, water coloring, pot painting, ceramic mug building, and teddy bear painting.
We tried the textured painting, and with the bright light flooding in, the creative elements in the studio, and Abrar’s guidance, it was one of the most therapeutic days we have had in a long time. We definitely found that our day was more zen, and we are going back for the teddy bear painting!
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE
What do you most value about your friends?
Being genuine and chill, and having a pure heart and good intentions.
Which living person do you most admire?
TOUGH ONE, I can’t choose one person honestly but my parents and hubby. Sister and brothers and nieces, I consider my nieces to be my little sisters, they are just too cute!
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being healthy and fit, satisfied & feeling that inner peace surrounded with people who I love and who love me more. Somewhere where there is a beach, sunshine & fresh breeze with that fresh grass scent not having a single thing to worry about with clean yummy food. Just chilling & laughing & enjoying life.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Online shopping! I buy stuff that I think I’ll need in the future, if not now. HAHA… It’s an addiction – I buy everything from skin care to clothes and shoes!
What is your most treasured possession?
Health and inner peace.
What is your greatest fear?
That, God forbid, a person I love so much leaves this world before me… I know it’s life but, I don’t think I can handle that kind of ache. And also losing my passion… losing my passion to me is just like dying.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Being realistic.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To have an amazing killer voice, to sing, and play all instruments,to be able to do all those tough yoga poses which seem impossible, and speak more than 10 languages.
What is one trait you have that you are most grateful for?
Being positive and mentally strong.
What is the human trait you most dislike about others?
Where do I even begin? Not having a pure heart, selfishness, jealousy, people that try to put others down, grumpiness, those that are full of hate and hold grudges – I can’t stand any of those people.
What is it that you most dislike?
Depression attack for no reason.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Hey, inzain, shako, yo3ana.
What are your favorite words to live by?
I don’t live by words; I live by actions.
Where would you most like to live?
Honestly, with how this world is going, I want to find another livable planet, with sunlight, freshness, beautiful nature and take the people I want and create my own community.
If you could have any job, what would it be?
I’d still would go with being an entrepreneur. I’d be a chef or a designer and if I had to pick another job, I would do anything where I can be creative, productive and influence others to do the same and make a positive change.
What would you consider your greatest achievement?
Every small or big thing I’ve done that leads me in the direction of doing what I love is an achievement to me.
What do you hope for the future?
To achieve more things and reach better places on a personal and professional level. Most importantly, I want to stay healthy, happy, satisfied and passionate.
So, there you have it – a peek into the colorful world of State of Art Studio and the creative mind turning dreams into reality. We definitely recommend you go and try out Abrar’s fabulous workshops, and follow the studio on Instagram @stateofartkw to stay current with all things creative!
