Meet the July Artist of the Month... Rashida! Read on to find out more...

Tell us your story, and when did your passion for calligraphy and lettering begin?

I grew up in a creative family. My mother always encouraged us to try different creative activities, from drawing and painting to designing and making things by hand.

When I was a teenager studying in South Africa, I was introduced to Arabic calligraphy for the first time. I was fascinated by the beauty of the Naskh script and began practising it in my spare time, not realising how important it would later become in my life.

In 2016, everything changed. I lost my sister, and during that difficult period I found myself returning to my pen and paper as a way of coping. Around the same time, I was caring for my son, Ahmed, who was born with multiple physical and learning disabilities. Life felt overwhelming, and calligraphy became a quiet space where I could focus and reflect.

I began studying Arabic calligraphy more seriously, learning Naskh and Thuluth through online courses and independent practice. Much of my learning happened late at night while balancing caring responsibilities. What started as a creative interest gradually became an important part of my daily life.

That passion eventually led me to London, where I attended an Art of Islamic Pattern summer school. For the first time, I learned traditional techniques using a compass and ruler and made my own tools. It opened up a whole new way of thinking about art and design.

In 2018, I started sharing my work online and opened my first Etsy shop. I began experimenting with mixed media, combining calligraphy with storytelling and sacred texts. Since then, my work has continued to evolve, shaped by both my creative practice and my personal experiences.

Who or where do you take your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from my lived experiences as an Autism mum, alongside my love for ancient manuscripts. My work is also informed by my African/Indian upbringing and heritage.

What, in your opinion, is the hardest and the most rewarding parts of working in a creative

industry?

I think it’s hard to remain authentic and true to your artistic voice, in a world that constantly demands commercial output. It’s difficult to find opportunities in the calligraphy niche (especially Arabic Calligraphy). One of the other things I find difficult, is sharing my work. As an introvert, it’s challenging to balance social media, alongside creative practice. One of the most rewarding things about a career in the creative industry, is the people you meet, their kid words and the impact your work can have on them. It is the driving force behind my creative practice. I believe the work is important, and sharing it is a responsibility upon creatives.

Do you have a favourite style?

I love Maghrebi Andalusi Script, which originated from the 11-13^th Century in North African Manuscripts. I also love illuminated letters in a Romanesque style. I love to include gilding within my practice, and the focus upon individual letters, stylising them and illuminating them with Islamic biomorphic forms, is a direction which my creative practice is moving in. I also love the Spencerian Script, which I am studying and practising daily. I also dabble in other scripts like Copperplate, Italic, Uncial and modern calligraphy styles.

What are the most exciting projects you have worked on and what are you working on at the moment?

I worked on a series of illuminated Arabic letters in 2020, called the Huroof series. I really enjoyed the intersection of the English Romanesque Illuminated letter style, with the beautiful forms of Arabic letters. This then evolved into a series of colouring books, designed by me, I’m currently working of recreating Manuscript inspired works -  an ongoing series called Ink & Gold, but im planning to bring back my Huroof Series.

How does your work relate to your everyday life?

My creative practice is an extension of my life experiences. As an Autism mum, I often undergo challenges, and finding a space of peace and healing within my work allows me to cope with these.

To see more of her beautiful work you can follow her Rashida (@rashidaart1) and remember to follow @manuscriptpenco on social media where we will be showcasing her work throughout the month!