“Artists are not born—they are made through dedication and practice,” says Nusrath Sumaiya, a certified artist who has transformed her heartfelt passion and well-honed talent in art into not just a blooming business endeavour but a thriving, supportive community.
Spanning Russian sculpture painting, textured art, mural art, Nusrath’s creations are brought to life with love and attention to detail, with her home decor pieces adorning lives and houses with its delicate beauty.
Speaking of mastering different art forms and how she keeps her inspiration flowing, she says, “What truly sparks my creativity is nature itself — the simple beauty of a flower, a leaf, or even a fruit often captivates me. I am inspired to reinterpret these elements through sculpture art, which adds a tangible dimension and depth that a pencil and paper simply cannot achieve. For me, inspiration is all around in the surroundings. I believe creativity is deeply tied to observation; if you remain observant and mindful of the world around you, your creative energy will always be sustained and flowing. This is a personal belief that continuously fuels my artistic journey.”
This artistic journey she speaks of is one she describes as being “unplanned but always intrinsic to who I am.” Reflecting on how she embarked on this path, she says, From childhood, I found myself naturally drawn to art in all its forms — from simple sketches to working on canvases, creativity has been a constant companion. It was only after the lockdown period that I took the leap to turn this passion into a business.
” I perceive my workshops—as a refreshing escape…an experience of pure creation is truly powerful and fulfilling.”
“What sparked this change was a casual yet profound conversation over tea with my husband and brother, who encouraged me to step beyond what I imagined possible — to start a business and share my craftsmanship with the world. That moment transformed my creative calling into a purposeful endeavor.”
While her artistic pursuits are a source of personal joy, Nusrath’s creativity extends beyond herself, inviting other art lovers into her world through her workshops. Warm, inviting and a space where everyone gets to stoke the creative sparks within them, I can attest – having attended one myself – to the joy that her workshops bring both attendees and Nusrath herself.
On the most rewarding part of these workshops, she says, “Engaging in creative activities is always a wonderful stress buster, and that’s how I perceive my workshops—as a refreshing escape. The most rewarding aspect of organizing these workshops is helping participants momentarily forget their daily routine and immerse themselves in a space where it’s just about their own creative expression. That experience of pure creation is truly powerful and fulfilling.
“If you have the talent not only to create art but also to sell your art, then embracing both sides makes perfect sense. It’s about honoring both passion and practicality.”
I have many cherished memories from these sessions, but if I had to pick one special group, it would be the kids. Their innocence and enthusiasm are absolutely adorable and infectious. Working with them always brings me immense joy.”
However, while art is born of pure passion, there are deeper aspects, more practical of it that can’t be ignored. As Nusrath explains, “When one chooses to build a business around their creativity, the commercial aspect naturally becomes part of the journey. Nothing valuable comes for free, especially something unique, handcrafted, and specially curated or customized. Hard work deserves to be rewarded, and while appreciation for the effort means a lot, it doesn’t pay the bills. So, if you have the talent not only to create art but also to sell your art, then embracing both sides makes perfect sense. It’s about honoring both passion and practicality.”
Additionally, from the perspective of outsiders, art and artists have a tendency to be associated with a layer of eccentricity – a misconception that Nusrath wants to dispel.
She says, “One common stereotype I would love to break is the idea that artists are ‘weird people.’ Often, people assume that creating art requires a kind of mental instability or eccentricity that borders on being unwell. What they don’t see is that what might appear ‘weird’ from the outside actually demands intense focus, keen observation, and a strong vision. Creating something from a blank canvas is about translating what your mind envisions, not just what your eyes see. I would agree that artists can be eccentric to some extent, but they are definitely not ‘weird’ or mentally unstable as the stereotype suggests.”
Translating the visions of your mind into vibrant, tangible products is not an easy task. It’s a process steeped in practice, dedication and contentment.
For Nusrath, who has created a business around her art and who has widespread social media presence, there’s plenty to be proud of and when asked about her most special creations thus far, she says, I wouldn’t necessarily call it my proudest moment, but rather a deeply grateful one. It was when I completed my first grandfather clock—a dream I had nurtured for a long time. The process required immense hard work and dedication, and in the end, I felt a profound sense of satisfaction.”
“Art is not just about flawless execution or technical skills—it’s about the unique human emotion, the soul, and the story behind it.”
She adds, “Another very special moment for me comes at the end of my workshops. Seeing the genuine, heartfelt smiles on my students’ faces fills me with gratitude. Being a teacher is a rewarding journey in itself, and those moments remind me why I do what I do.”
Looking forward, Nusrath who leads her journey rooted in individuality, patience and steady growth says she doesn’t have a traditional bucket list. “Russian sculpture painting has always held a special place in my heart and continues to be a profound source of inspiration for me. But I’m very open to exploring new kinds of art, especially Arabic Calligraphy, which I’m a big fan of. I would love to conduct workshops and share the art I know with others who are eager to learn something new and creative. I believe in going with the flow rather than rigid plans,” she explains.
She also hopes to leverage social media a bit more, adding, “In the near future, I’m also planning to start paid subscriptions on my Instagram where subscribers can access exclusive videos and lessons. This will be especially helpful for people from different countries who want to learn my art remotely on a monthly basis. That said, I do have many exciting projects underway, and you’ll be able to see them soon!”
Beyond all the visions, dreams and plans though, a deeply human touch – tender and careful yet underscored by imperfections – is at the centre of her journey. A creative soul who derives happiness from what she does, Nusrath offers others nurturing their creativity an encouraging reminder, “Remember, perfection comes with a lot of stress, but art itself has no perfection.”
She explains, “In today’s world, with AI advancing and reshaping creativity, I often come across messages on social media urging us to “keep ART human.” This resonates deeply because art is not just about flawless execution or technical skills—it’s about the unique human emotion, the soul, and the story behind it.”
With the resounding message that the true essence of art lies in its humanity, not in perfection, Nusrath Sumaiya’s artistic journey is one that reminds us to embrace your passion genuinely and place trust where our art takes us.
Follow Nusrath at @struck.by.stroke on Instagram and YouTube to keep up with her projects, workshops and more. (Image credits : Nusrath)
Before you go, make sure to check out our last Monthly Muse on wellness creator Gehena! Follow us on X and Instagram for more inspiring content.
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