Huria al Harrasi's studio offers a glimpse into a universe she has meticulously crafted. Walls are adorned with vivid sketches, vibrant colour palettes rest on shelves, and the faint hum of creative energy fills the space. This workshop isn’t just a place of work — it’s Huria’s sanctuary, a sanctuary where imagination transforms into tangible art.
From childhood, Huria’s life was a kaleidoscope of colour and sketches. “I used to draw everywhere — on notebooks, the corners of the house, even the walls,” she recalls, her eyes shining with youthful fervour. Her innate curiosity about design led her to study Architectural Design, a subject she initially believed would marry her passion for art with a pragmatic career. “It felt close to my passion,” she explains. But as she progressed through her studies, she sensed a different calling. “After graduation, I realised that my true path was elsewhere.”
Deciding to pursue her artistic instincts was no small feat. Huria admits the transition from a student of architecture to an independent artist was full of hesitation. Yet, her heart’s compass pointed unwaveringly in that direction. “Choosing art over architecture was a leap,” she says. “It wasn’t practical, but I knew I had to follow it.”
Initially, she envisioned a life where her days would be filled with creating mesmerising works that radiated her soul. She believed that artistic freedom would breathe joy into her life, filling every moment with colour and meaning. However, the reality proved more complex. Turning her passion into a livelihood brought unforeseen hurdles — not least, the challenge of managing a business.
Huria quickly realised that being an independent artist meant wearing many hats. “You’re not just creating art; you’re managing finances, marketing, and administration,” she explains. Her days often involve a delicate balance of creating new pieces, negotiating commissions, and strategising her brand. This multiplicity of roles has shaped her resilience, but it hasn’t diminished her dedication. For her, art remains an emotional outlet, a vessel for expression and connection.
Financial sustainability, however, remains a persistent concern. In Oman, the art market is still emerging, and opportunities are sparse. “I had a conversation that was a wake-up call,” she recalls. An experienced artist bluntly told her, ‘Art doesn’t put bread on the table here.’ It was a harsh reality check, but one that spurred her to adapt.
Today, Huria balances her creative pursuits with a career in graphic design — a choice born out of necessity. While her design work pays the bills, her artwork stays close to her heart. “Art isn’t about income for me,” she affirms. “It’s about the emotions it evokes. When someone tells me they saw my work and felt something — that’s the real reward.”
Her studio is a reflection of her creative spirit—a haven where colours blend seamlessly into the air, shelves overflow with jars of paints, brushes, and sketches, and sunlight streams through a large window, illuminating her latest piece. Imagine a space where walls are lined with emerging ideas, interwoven with tools of the trade: textured fabrics, canvases of various sizes, and delicate details that reveal her meticulous nature. It’s a place that invites curiosity, a testament to her dedication.
Yet, her journey is not without obstacles. Large-scale projects, like murals or oversized rug designs, often clash with her limited space and resources. “Sometimes, I get commissions that are too big for my studio,” she sighs. “I wish I had a larger workshop to bring these visions to life.” She also faces the all-too-familiar challenge of pricing her work accurately. Striking a balance between valuing her effort and meeting market expectations tests her resilience. “There’s a constant inner debate,” she confesses. “There are times I underprice because I want to make a sale, and others when I refuse to compromise on my worth.”
Looking ahead, Huria’s aspirations stretch beyond the borders of Oman. She dreams of showcasing her work internationally, not merely to gain recognition but to exchange ideas and grow as an artist. She envisions a distinctive ‘visual signature’ that becomes her hallmark — a style recognisable even before her name is spoken. “I want people to see my work and immediately know it’s mine,” she says confidently. Improving her skills is her next goal, as she seeks to diversify her creativity and avoid repetition in her exhibitions.
To aspiring artists, Huria offers a grounded piece of advice: “Don’t leap into the field just because you’re excited at the moment. It’s vital to plan, seek guidance, and learn from others’ experiences. Sustainability comes through patience, dedication, and continuous growth.”
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