Hi, I'm sair
Hello, my name is Sair and I am a self taught artist. I didn't study fine art but I did learn to read paintings and have an MA in History of Art and Archeology from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, UK. I started painting at a very young age but was introduced to the world Indo-Persian Miniature paintings during my masters studies. During that time I also studied painting and visual culture of China and Japanese Edo Period Art. I first learned miniature painting techniques in London from Fatima Zahra Hasan, a UK based visual artist and alumni of RCA and PSTA. I have continued my journey into learning and researching on my own since then. I also enjoy experimenting with embroidery, printmaking, and ceramics. I've worked in the arts, museums, and heritage sector in London and Bombay for more than a decade, and currently live and work in Toronto. I came across this forum only recently and I'm very glad to be here to continue my learning and share my love for Miniature paintings.
My technique is still very much a work in progress - this is one of my practice work from 2018, a copy of The Tree of the island of Waq Waq, attributed to the Golconda court in the Deccan from early 17th century.
Lovely to meet you Sair! I know and love SOAS (on my way there tomorrow actually - great bookshop!), Fatima Zahra, miniatures of course and all the art history and world art you mentioned: some lovely art historians and artists here on the forum too (@Alison Guest @Anastasia Doran ), as well as embroiderers (@Mary Yaeger) so do connect! If you're in Toronto - I'm sure you know the Aga Khan museum, it's my dream to go there. I love the Deccan court, also Bijapur, and the island of Waq Waq and other oddities found across the seas... such a creative miniature and thank you for sharing! Hope to see you online sometime, either in a class or in the monthly meetings!