Meet Farida Ali

 Art Talk series: Conversations with Creative Minds

Ever wondered how art can be a spiritual journey and a reflection of the divine? Meet Farida Ali, whose photorealistic masterpieces are not just creations but profound expressions of her inner truth.⁠

Farida Ali, a self-taught artist with a passion for photorealism and expressionism, has been on a spiritual journey through art for over 50 years. Her work reflects a deep connection with the divine and a commitment to preserving the beauty of nature. Farida's paintings, whether of landscapes, portraits, or wildlife, aim to capture the essence of her subjects and inspire others to cherish and protect the environment.

Your work in photo realism is truly captivating. What initially drew you to this genre, and how has your approach evolved over time?

My inner belief which drives me to photo realism is that Reality belongs only to Spirit and art is the miracle to prove this truth in the world we live in. My approach towards art evolved along with my spiritual evolution and personal transformation. I am here to express myself powerfully in the world through honouring my gifts. I am a self-taught artist and my artwork is the natural expression of Who I Am enabling me to express and experience a sacred communion with the Creator in all things and in my Inner Self.

Gateway of India

Your attention to detail is remarkable. Can you walk us through your process, from selecting a reference photo to completing a painting?

I first photograph the subject, then select an appropriate size for the canvas. Since I believe art is a spiritual process, I do a visualization in the form of meditation of what the end canvas will look like; as in modifying the picture into ‘what it should be’ rather than ‘what it is’. Then I begin the painting with a generic outline and finally add details as it starts to take shape.

Leopard in Reflection

Photo realism requires a great deal of patience and precision. What challenges do you face while working on a piece, and how do you overcome them?

The challenges relate to the subject of the painting. For example, while doing portraits of people I face a lot of ‘emotional stress’ while working on the canvas. In the case of monuments very accurate details are required so you have to get the angles, lines etc. straight and a lot of layering goes into it. The same goes for birds, animals where the fur effect requires multiple layers of paints. In every case the purpose is to continue till I have achieved the essence of the subject; as in putting life into it till the canvas ‘speaks’ to me.

Rural India

❝Through Biafarin I feel more recognized and am able to share and express my inner beauty. It has greatly enabled exposure on social media. I believe talent and skills are of little use unless shared.❞

Your art often captures nature, people, and animals. What inspires you to choose your subjects, and how do you see beauty in the ordinary?

These creations are an attempt to explore the beauty, sensitivity and more importantly the need to reflect on, and take care of Mother Nature. I recognize and embrace myself as an honoured member of the family of life. The flow, power, grace and wisdom you see in the natural world is a great reflection of qualities that you carry within your own Self. They may be appreciated and interpreted based on your own perceptions but if through the processes of creation, I can touch your heart — I am sufficiently rewarded.

I see and cherish the wonders of life wherever I go and painting them has been a remarkable transformative experience for me and others whose life I am honoured to touch.

Duck Mallard

For Farida each brushstroke is a step in a meditative dance between reality and spirituality. learn more and discover the meticulous process behind her stunning portraits and landscapes, and how she transforms challenges into masterpieces that honor nature and the human spirit at:

https://www.instagram.com/fariartreiki.