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

Hi Alisha, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Pinning down where I’m “from” is a bit tricky. I’ve always been a bit of a nomad, moving from city to city with my family throughout my life. We lived in the cold of Canada and the heat of Nashville.

But if I had to choose a common thread, it would be the constant exposure to different cultures and creative scenes. In Nashville, the warm evenings fostered storytelling on the patio and live outdoor music. In Philadelphia, I was surrounded by historic architecture, street art, and a thriving underground art scene. Each city left its mark on me.

This upbringing definitely made me adaptable and open-minded. I learned to appreciate different perspectives and find beauty in unexpected places. It also instilled a curiosity in me, a constant desire to explore new things and meet new people. And that curiosity, I believe, is what fuels my creativity today

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art explores the world through a phenomenological lens. I create pieces that capture the essence of natural occurrences, subtly manipulated by my hand. It’s a delicate balance between the raw beauty of the natural world and the subtle influence of human intervention.

I think my biggest challenge is the ongoing conversation I have with the piece itself. There’s a constant dance between accepting the beauty of a captured moment and pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve. Some days, the frustration of never feeling “done” can be overwhelming. But that very struggle, that relentless pursuit of artistic evolution, is what keeps me creating. It’s a journey of self-discovery, pushing me to refine my process and explore the depths of my artistic voice. And with every iteration, I inch closer to a deeper understanding of myself, the world around me, and the unique perspective I can offer through my art.

My art isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about revealing the wonder hidden in plain sight. I hope to spark curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of the world around us.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite part about Atlanta is the wealth of nature all around. A perfect weekend for me would be a morning spent on the Chattahoochee River. In the evening, I’d catch a live show performed by my talented friends who are flourishing in the music industry.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This wouldn’t be possible without the incredible professors who challenged me in college and helped me see my potential. A huge shoutout to Jessica Jane Julius, an artist and professor at Temple University, whose constant encouragement and insightful guidance made a lasting impact on my art.

I also want to thank my friend Nathan, known as STVSH in the music industry. His dedication to his craft and unwavering belief in me, even when I doubt myself, is a constant source of inspiration.

Website: https://esoterraart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esoterra._/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/settings/?tab=profile

Image Credits
Austin Peterson

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