Abdullah Interviews Shurooq Amin
I have been blessed every saturday with local talents that blow my mind with their creative buzzing brains.
A dear reader, Ansam, introduced me to the wonderful, oh so talented, out of the box genius Dr.Shurooq Amin. She is the new definition of a woman who is a work in progress. At the age of 41 (yes, she’s not shy) reached everything a woman could ask for, yet you can sense her hunger for more and more bigger and better things to come.
She is a mother, daughter, teacher (KU’s University), artist, painter, former ballet dancer, top student, diver, gun-shooter, horse rider, interior designer and a writer.
Get to know her more, NOW!
Shurooq, introduce yourself to the universe ?
My name is Shurooq Amin (title is Dr, and I worked damn hard for that, getting it when I already had 3 of my 4 kids, so yeah, I’m proud of it!). I got my BA in English Literature from Kuwait University because my mother wouldn’t allow me to travel to the UK on scholarship to study Fine Arts, on account of my young age (I graduated from the New English School at 16 years of age). Then I got my Master’s degree in English Literature, specializing in Modern Poetry. I didn’t continue with my PhD right away because of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, so I came back home, got married, had my first kid, worked at Kuwait University teaching, then actually wrote my first poetry book, first novel, and had my first solo art exhibition. It’s only years later, 3 kids later, that I decided I wanted to re-apply for my PhD, and I worked on it for 3 years while being married, with kids, a home to run, and a teaching job in the morning. Not only did I get it done in 3 years only, but I was also chosen as the Valedictorian of my university and gave a speech at Graduation on behalf of all the Phd students.
I’m also one of the few women you’ll meet who will be proud to shout out their age FORTY ONE, ‘cos I feel more beautiful, more successful, more energetic, with far more accomplishments than before, and much more to come !
I’ve always been hyper-driven with energy, creativity, and ambition, always wanting to try everything and taste everything, so my interests range diversely from ballet dancing (which I did from the age of 7 to 18) horseback-riding in the valleys and hills of Brazilia; gun shooting (I’ve been told by the instructor that I’m a natural at that) scuba diving (I have 2 licenses, one from PADI and one from NAUI, starting from basic Open-water to Advanced night-diving) interior-decorating (I have a degree in that, and I’ve specialized in Feng Shui consultation, because I believe strongly in its principles) pilates (Madonna was right, it really keeps my body looking good); music, reading, painting, writing…Oh, yes, and of course driving or should I say maneuvering my car (Porsche Carrera S: it’s an amazing engine, I drive it like a guy). You know what? You should ask me if there’s anything I’m NOT interested in. That would be easy, actually its cooking and anything domestic.
Q: What inspired you to tap into who you are now ?
I guess my dad inspired me, because he made me believe that I could do anything and have anything if I set my mind to it and worked hard for it. He was very creative and gave me a sophisticated start to life, taking me to see the Bolshoi ballet in Moscow, theater in London, bull-fighting in Madrid, museums all over Europe. He died suddenly of a heart-attack when I was 11, he died in front of me in the living room on the first day of Eid. I held his hand as it turned from warm to icy cold, and watched the white froth spill from his mouth down his cheek. It was my introduction to death, and really shaped my art, my poetry, and my entire psyche for the future – though I had no idea at the time.
Q: Do you adapt your artistry on yourself ? if so, how did it change you ?
I’m not sure I understand the question, but it sure sounds clever. If you mean the relationship between Shurooq the artist and Shurooq the woman, then I can tell you that the two are inwardly the same, though in exterior different. In other words, Shurooq the artist lives inside Shurooq the woman and rules her thinking; even though some people (like my university students) may see a tough, practical exterior. It’s just the hard shell that protects me from a society that doesn’t understand unorthodox creativity.
Q: Any difficulties along the way ?
All the time, every step of the way. People don’t like to see others succeed. There are people who envy you, people who think they’re in constant competition. Honestly, how exhausting! I’ve had to jump over one obstacle and another all my life. You must remember that I was an Arab Muslim girl, struggling between the ideologies of marriage/domesticity and inner intellectual/existentialism. I still do. And that struggle manifests in my paintings and my poetry, which is usually controversial and complex. Or so I’ve read 
But you know what? Success is all the more sweet and meaningful when you’ve gone through a load of B.S.
Q: Support ? family & friends ?
I do have great support from my family; they believe in me because they know how consistent I am and how determined. I’m an artist with staying power; I’m not one of those artists that has just one or two exhibitions and then disappears. I’ve been painting and exhibiting since I was 10 years old. I’m planning to paint and exhibit till I can’t see or hold a brush anymore. I also have the support of my kids – they don’t make me feel guilty for leaving them for hours on end while I work in my studio; or when I travel to art fairs. My husband is usually supportive, but he could get fed up of my endless energy and ambition, it’s hard for anyone to catch up with me, I suppose.
Q: Where do you see yourself 5 years from now ?
In 5 years I should be famous on an international level as both artist and poet. I would have exhibited in both London and New York, and published 2 more books.
Q: Talk about your upcoming event? What to expect ?
Beats me! It’s my first Pecha Kucha experience, I actually didn’t attend the first one that they had in Kuwait a few months back, though I did check it out on YouTube. You can expect to see something simultaneously philosophical/educational and amusing/entertaining; Pecha Kucha has the gift of that paradox: it’s fun, yet didactic. It’s also extremely creative and innovative.
Q: Throw something for p0ach readers.
I don’t want to sound preachy, but here are some of my own life mottos, stuff that I live by and say to my kids:
Stop complaining about it and get up and DO something about it instead.
Be punctual, being late is NOT cool.
If you feel like crap today, go with the flow all the way, don’t fight it. Eat ice cream, krispy kremes or whatever you fancy (it’s serotonin food, good-mood food); watch mindless TV; do whatever. Enjoy the laziness. Just make sure tomorrow you get up with the intention to have a fabulous day. Begin your day with a “thank you” to God, that he gave you legs to walk on, eyes to see with, etc.That should put things into perspective. Humans tend to forget these basic things.
Visualization is a powerful tool: visualise the life you want, and you’ll get it. But that doesn’t mean laying on your behind waiting for the phone to ring either.
Go out and meet her in person at her event here:
Contact:
Tel: 66613310
Email: shurooqamin@hotmail.com
www.shurooqamin.com
Shurooq’s Art Consultancy.
Have a look at other pics from her gallery:
Related posts:
wow…that’s it! i think im in love, ma3indi more to say, i have to go look for my eyeballs they fell out and are tumbling all over the floor! oh and mashala and stuff
Loved the interview and will definitely come to the event
wish you all the best Dr.Shorouq, god bless.
Shurooq you’re an INSPIRATION!! Can’t wait to see you at Pecha Kucha!!!
She seems like a force of energy mashallah, I love her points, her take on life, and how diverse her interests are.
She’s a true inspiration, I think, think, she’s my favorite person you’ve interviewed so far.
Thanks Dr. Shurooq, and thanks Abdullah for this mind-opening interview.
I’m in LOVE with her !
She’s like my new idol !
Oh WOW ! seriously nothing can describe her better than this word WOW !
If i see her at jam3a tomo i might hug her after reading this…
mashallah she’s really great. And she’s my favorite person you’ve interviewed so far. Bravo Abdullah , and thanks to Ansam
Thank you Abdullah
I love it 
ma7ebha:’(!!! 3ashematni a5er shay ma7a6atly A:@:@@:!!!
mashalah the women is full of energy ! allah ewafigha
Ya36eek il3afya dino =)
Pecha kucha ? is it just me wla the name ehabel ?:P
Shurooq is indeed an enigma and extremely talented. I met her a few years ago and then interviewed her for Bazaar magazine and till date she remains one of my most respected and admired persons, especially when I see her from the point of view of her background. She makes excellency look so easy, but I know how dedicated and driven she really is. Role model definately!
Impressive
i’m so happy to call her my mother
i love her artwork so much and i dont understand her poetry!!!! And i love her really a lot…
Nujood.
Hope there’s a governmental office that takes care of these local talents and support them that’s what kuwait young talents need support and attention…and Poach i really thank you for creating awareness and letting your community know about these amazing people!
oh! how wonderful – I am bookmarking this so I can come back and read very word – the images are beautiful and compelling – and Shurooq, you look gorgeous!
Hey there Kat, thanks for dropping by
please do come back
What can i say Abdullah…
She is my older sister and my best freind and a woman to look up to.
She is my sister and all the words above do not do her just
I have the left brain though and she has the right brain functioning….So i guess u can say we complete each other
I am an International Business Analyst/ Petroleum Engineer LOL So Art is her baby and she sure has raised that baby WELL !!
LOVE U SIS & U MAKE ME SO PROUD!
PS: Ansam is a VERY CLOSE freind of mine too and we go waaayyyyyy back
Abdulla …. Its my Pleasure….
And thanks for allowing the world to get to know Shurooq a bit better ……I always knew she had it in her and now i am so happy that its out and about
As for the left right brain….well it seems that our whole family is more right brain inclined…i just turned out to be Fagi3 though i guess LOL
Ansam
Halla walla hun
Thanks For Introducing my sis to Abdulla
I am so happy to see this interview out and about
Abdulla
Thanks
“Namaste” is the only I could find in my being for all of this: Shurooq, the way the interview was constructed, and last but not least the layout of the page. utter beauty.
I thank the chance that let me drop in and enjoy.
[...] Read more about Shurooq on P0ach (link) [...]
And she’s a sweet heart by the way
Thank you for supporting local talents
I love your name by the way
Anything for FAHAD ;*
Seriously though, she is something else
Awwwww shwaish approves ;*
You know that means a lot, coming from you
Awwww I love how you ladies relate to eachother.
Men don’t have that. Hah !
ohh yousef you know her ? my regards with that hug please!
she was a ballet dancer !! talk about graceful.
Ahmed, glad you liked the interview, inshalla she’ll pass by and see your supportive message
ANSAM, THANK YOU ! You made this happen !
People, just for the record, again, Ansam was my connection. An angel indeed !
Awwww!!!!
eee I love it too!!! o ya wailich if you pronounce the 2 words separately, heheheh
Lazim you pronounce it as one word…. Please try to make it to the event 
EEEE mo ?? it7iseen the name is different big time
;P
Hey there Shabana !
Thanks for dropping by and for supporting Shurooq, an honor to have people from Bazaar Magazine here.
Hey there xxdeemxx, thanks for dropping by !
Hey there Nujood,
Thanks for dropping by, supporting Shurooq
Najooda Hi its me Auntie Cupcakes hehehe
You are also a little artist, arent you!?
Cant wait to see you
xoxo
Maze ! an excellent suggestion !
thank for your the kind words
I really appreciate it 
You do a fine job yourself, Abdullah. Shurooq deserves all your support, as I always believed she should be appreciated by her own country people. She’s a jewel. Keep going!
THANK YOU shabana.
Be sure to check back here everyday, specially saturday, its the official day where I interview local talents.
Much love to you all.
Shayma, thank you for dropping by, i can sense your energy, AMAZING !
Im super glad to have you here, so welcome. That being said, thanks for the support. Its deeply appreciated
Who knows her better than you do hmm ? Loved the left/right brain part
HAhahaha thats soo true i guess. Yet you all share the wonderful humor genes
God bless you all and fulfill you with life’s choicest gifts
Shayma xoxo
Shayma, anytime my dear
Anytime… anything for the Amins
Hey there Layal, thanks for dropping by, Namaste to you and your calm spirit, thanks for supporting Shurooq
Needless to say, I’ve added you in my regular reads. Keep posting interesting subjects, you might just give me a little inspiration once in a while
Cheers,
Shabana