“By focusing on the words of the being that created me, calligraphy becomes such a reflective experience.” – Namrah
Can faith be strengthened by art? Inspired by the Muslim Student Association’s Islamic Art exhibition, we found an artists here at Loyola to help us explore the connection between art and faith. Read on for an insight into Arabic calligraphy!
Photo courtesy of Namrah M.
Blending Calligraphy and Faith
At first, I admit, it was an activity I picked up one lazy summer. I had always admired the art form since I was old enough to read Arabic. Lots of ruined paper and chiseled sharpie tips later, I tried my hand at calligraphy with a paintbrush instead. And it just worked.
After years of painting and exploring different mediums and subjects, I always drift back to Arabic calligraphy. It’s an interesting situation: a creation, guided by the Creator, creating a piece with words of the Creator. The process of creating something that had never before existed is beautiful in itself. I try to think about how the subject I am painting about relates to me and why I chose it. It allows me to connect with the verses of the Qur’an in intimate ways. Calligraphy compels me to know more about the verses I am writing in order to add more depth to the piece.
What started out as an interest based on aesthetic appeal has become a time for reflection and meditation. My studio in the basement of my parents’ home has evolved into a place of meditation and reflection that through my practice of Arabic Calligraphy. I feel a different kind of connection to my faith when I am beautifying the word of God through calligraphy. It is something that requires both quiet reflection but also produces a visible outward result.
– Namrah M.
Do you find a connection between art and your faith? Interested in an entirely different perspective? Check out Part II: An Atheist’s Connection to Faith featuring Marta K.
Comment below or tweet us @ExpressLoyola with #ExpressFaith and be sure to follow us on all of our social media, located in the sidebar!
I really like how calligraphy looks and wish I could do it. While I am not every religious I do find that art is a great way to express oneself how they would like. Each religion has a different style of art and all are beautiful.
Hannah, we agree! At the Islamic Art Exhibition that was part of Islam Appreciation this past week, Namrah did calligraphy on tiles and it was awesome. Her unique religious expression was really cool to witness.
I think other site proprietors should take this website as an model, very clean and fantastic user friendly style and design, let alone the content. You are an expert in this topic!