By Sarah Fuller
Liyan Joudeh is a 17-year-old Palestinian artist from Ramallah, who loves paints and pens. She hopes her paintings can evoke the thoughts and emotions she puts into every stroke of paint. Her artworks “Across The Waves, We Dream” and “Eyes Of A Nation” are currently a part of the Children’s Art Exhibition at Kutubna Cultural Center. The exhibit features artworks by children aged 1 to 18 based in the UAE and runs until February 9, 2025.
In this interview, Liyan describes what inspires her art, what makes her favorite piece special to her, what her creative process looks like, and more.
Sarah: When did you first start creating art, and what inspired you to begin?
Liyan: I first started drawing when I was about 5. I think every kid was encouraged to start with a couple of crayons and a coloring book. I tried a lot of activities, but nothing resonated with me like art did and I just liked it so I kept going—it was like my own little world. I like to think I grew up with my paints and pencils. I also had a new sketchbook every year.
Sarah: How would you describe your artistic style in one sentence?
Liyan: The thoughts that fuel my being.
Sarah: What medium or materials do you enjoy working with the most, and why?
Liyan: I love using acrylics, but they dry quickly, so you have to constantly mix the same color. However, I love how easy it is to build colors and blend different shades. I like working with my fingers and spatulas. I like being messy with my art—it adds feeling and gets me in “the zone.” I also like working with a standard brush set and a canvas, but you can see in my works that I like exploring different mediums. “Across The Waves, We Dream”: is on canvas, “Crouching Boy” is on cardboard and has built-up tissue paper glued on for texture, and “Eyes of a Nation” is also on cardboard.
Sarah: Who or what are your biggest artistic influences?
Liyan: Salvador Dali and Frida Kahlo, and my own identity and background. I like expressing what words can’t say on a medium.
Sarah: Do you have a favorite piece you've created? What makes it special to you?
Liyan: My favourite piece has to be “Eyes Of A Nation.” I think that’s primarily because it was my first piece where I could openly express my love and adoration for my home country and for my identity as a Palestinian. When I walk through the art corridor at school and see the different pieces hung up about Palestine, it brings a smile to my face, knowing I inspired other art students to express their love for a nation without shame or fear.
Sarah: What is your creative process like from start to finish when working on a piece?
Liyan: I don’t really go in with a solid idea. I like getting a canvas and just sketching lightly while listening to music. It helps me feel as I draw and that feeling inspires me to see my original idea in a different way. Once I have a sense of direction, I just get started at my own pace. I tend to want to make changes since I am a huge perfectionist. I don’t really stick to the same “process” every time I paint.
Sarah: How do you balance school and making art?
Liyan: Since I’m currently a senior in high school, I don’t have art as a subject anymore. It’s rare for me to have time for myself. I try dedicating some time at least once a week to plug in my airpods and sketch something. I find it’s a really good output for stress and anxiety.
Sarah: What do you think is the most important quality an artist should have?
Liyan: Passion. I believe anyone can make art. Art has no definition—it just requires a soul with passion to create a beautiful piece. A blank canvas just needs a little bit of personality and love from a passionate artist bursting with ideas.
Sarah: How do you feel about digital art compared to traditional forms of art?
Liyan: I think every artist has different preferences. I like painting physically. I like to feel my art and get messy with it. It’s a way for me to connect with my piece and really put my heart into it. But that doesn’t mean I don’t draw on my iPad.
Sarah: If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Liyan: Probably Banksy. I love how he doesn’t attach a face to his art, and that’s his most important message. His art is not meant to represent a face, it is meant to illustrate his personal outlook on the flaws of society. I’d love to collaborate with him because of how unapologetically authentic he is and how proudly he presents his opinions to the world.