Meet Sajeela Siddiq | Artist & MFA Painting Candidate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sajeela Siddiq and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sajeela, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
This is such a universal question and I have always wondered how we find answer to it in unexpected ways. I remember Dr. Seuss’s Horton’s perseverance made such a strong impression on me and so did the journey of self-discovery of the Shepard in The Alchemist. Of course there are doubts and you wonder if you are just wasting your time and maybe it’s time to stop. My favorite economics concept, the Sunk Cost Fallacy, states that we put more resources into projects that are beyond redemption simply because of previously invested time, effort and resources. So how to decide? The answer is simple for me; as long as I chose what I am really passionate about, I won’t give up. Next, it directly depends on the conviction in one’s passion/pursuit. I find that a lot of self-reflection and meditative internal dialog helps resolve doubts. Once we decide to pursue something wholeheartedly, and make small everyday efforts towards that goal, new possibilities emerge that we didn’t even think were possible before.
An Urdu poet I admire wisely said that you should make important life decisions with your heart and have your brain execute the tactical details. I thought what a beautiful thing to say, this way I won’t have any regrets as I I listened to my heart but also strategically keep moving towards my goal, one step at a time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art definitely reflects my various cultural and educational experiences. Although I am a figurative artist, currently I am investigating the power of language and its effects on immigrant experience. I have been “different” from the very beginning as a new immigrant girl from Pakistan at East Providence High, Rhode Island, and then the only Pakistani female studying business at Bryant University. Often, immigrants chose “safe and predictable” career paths in STEM and business fields and I did the same. I didn’t mind studying business and communication because I generally love to learn but the yearning for that childhood dream of being an artist stayed with me. After moving to Louisiana and getting an MBA, I took a five year break to focus on my two daughters. Then upon advice from an MBA advisor, I went back to study Graphic Design. It was nerve-racking because I imagined I couldn’t draw and it would end as an epic failure. I am lucky that I had great professors who encouraged me and I fell in love with drawing and photography. Raising two little kids and taking multiple studio classes per semester was challenging but I was able to do it because to me it was never work. After finishing the BA, I worked as a graphic designer and created art for commission and for various shows. Then came Covid and back to back hurricanes, Laura and Delta. As the town was wrecked, many of us pondered over the future for ourselves and our children. Becoming climate refugees this time around was a painful reminder of the many traumas from the original immigration experience all those years ago. I was lucky to have family support and so I applied to University of Houston’s graduate program. From Pakistan to the US, from Rhode Island to Louisiana to Texas, from business schools to art schools, I have definitely had an interesting journey. I don’t regret any part of it because each little step brought me closer to the pursuit of my passion. I am very grateful that I get to do what I love everyday. I paint and draw and think about experimenting with different creative techniques. I try not to think too far into the future because I believe in the unpredictability of life and Covid proved how short life really is and we should just go for whatever makes life worth living. Two years ago, I couldn’t have imagined I would be moving to Houston and studying art with world-class artists/professors. I am proud that I made such decisions in my life so that at any point I don’t have any regrets.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I am a new resident of Houston myself, this is a tough one! The great thing about Houston is that no matter what one’s interested in, whether it’s art, ethnic shopping or food, or shopping in general, there’s something for everyone. My artist friend and I pop over to multiple galleries and art spaces around town such as Art League Houston or Asia Society and then eat at a Turkish restaurant in Rice Village. With my sister, a visit to the mall or River Oaks and a good coffee place such as Giant Leap or We’re-Dough is a must. Sweet Cup gelato on Montrose and 85 Degrees bakeries are favorites. Kids love Daiso for fun buys, Ratchet Hatchet Axe Throwing, Evelyn’s Park in Bellaire and flower cones at Amorino Gelato. One of my favorite places to eat and shop at is Phoenicia, both locations. I am determined to find time in our crazy schedule to explore all of EaDo’s great eateries and coffee places. Many of the hidden gems of Pakistani food are located in Sugarland such as Savoy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My BA art professors, especially Meghan Fleming, Lisa Reinauer, Heather Ryan Kelley who were immensely patient with me and encouraged me when I doubted myself. Caroline Crawford, my friend who always believes in me and has such great understanding of art.
My professors at Bryant University and currently at University of Houston who showed me so many possibilities that inform my work in conscious and unconscious ways.

Website: sajeelasiddiqart.com

Instagram: Sajeela_siddiq_art