Manchester born Raanaz Shahid is becoming one of the UK’s most influential artists of this generation to merge both Islam and art.

Meeting her for the first time, many descriptors came to mind. But the one that sprang to mind first and foremost, was ‘genuine’. When interviewing an award-winning artist of her caliber, one expects a certain level of self-importance. However, upon meeting her, it is quite the contrary.

Raanaz attended an all-girls Islamic high school, thereby naturally immersed in the influences of Islam. But it took a simple school trip to the library to start it all. Seeing her name created in serene, yet familiar Arabic calligraphy became a trigger. The seeds of curiosity were sewn and Raanaz’s journey began. She could never have imagined when observing the intricacies of Arabic calligraphy that it would one day lead to her career.

Reminiscing to how it all began, she fondly remembers her first creative experiences. Unable to source calligraphy pens anywhere, Raanaz’s father stepped in.

“We looked everywhere, but you couldn’t find things as easily back then- this was pre-internet! Dad suggested I use two pencils, tape them together and use them to practice with!”

As rudimentary as it sounds, this simple makeshift pen equipped her with a key calligraphic tool. Further, it highlighted how flexible and adaptive thinking could be used to overcome creative challenges.

Although her parents nurtured and encouraged her gift of raw talent, others were initially perplexed. “Art? Really?” The status quo was to become a doctor or a lawyer, but Raanaz was not swayed. She progressed naturally, continuing through to formal study; this would culminate in her completing her Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Surface Pattern and Textiles, graduating in 2001.

From her earliest exposure, through her studies and later, Islamic art had struck a chord with Raanaz spiritually and visually. But to replicate and produce it herself, Raanaz has had to continually learn and expand her skill-set. This presented challenges, as she touches upon.

“Arabic not being my first language, it’s very easy to make mistakes, especially with written Arabic. Just changing the stroke of one letter can change the entire meaning of a word”

Over time, Raanaz came to appreciate how to bring this intricate language to life, using not only paper, but also textiles, ceramics, batik, glass; anything tangible and within arm’s reach.

Such rapid progression and use of materials brought its own problems. Her Manchester flat was soon outgrown, every usable space covered in canvas, paint, silk, dyes and brushes. Adapting to her limited space only slowed down progress, but not the drive to achieve her ambitions.

Pregnancy bore the fruit that is her daughter Jemimah and with it, further change.

“After my daughter was born, my husband’s [work] contract moved to Derby. So being a first-time mother, in a new city, moving home, leaving family behind when I would need them the most and then also trying to produce pieces, was a huge challenge. However, it’s worked out well. My husband had a studio built for me in our new home and our families are always keen babysitters!”

With little Jemimah in tow, so began the juggling act of wife, mother and full-time artist. Challenging to most, but Raanaz embraces these changes and makes it look easy.

Thus far, awareness of Raanaz’s work has grown quickly, primarily through positive feedback and referrals from customers. She has worked with London-based Ahlan Art on several events, including the ‘Who Is Muhammad’ campaign held in London and the World Art Show held in Dubai. With Dubai being a fusion of the modern age and the traditional heritage of the Arab world, Raanaz relished the opportunity to showcase her work to a wider audience. She will go on to exhibit further in region in the near future.

Despite success and also accolades (recently winning 2nd place in a competition organized by Global Aid Trust, held here in the UK), she constantly strives to improve.

“One question I’m often asked is whether I would teach others. My answer is always ‘No- at least not yet..’. I’m at a stage where creativity is flowing and I love producing new pieces. I have so many ideas I need to experiment with, before I’m ready to teach them! However, it’s something which appeals and I’d consider it in the future”

The topic that Raanaz spoke about with the greatest conviction was that of charity. Although receiving kudos is rewarding, the rewards of “giving to those that have nothing” is far greater. Giving to charity is something that is close to Raanaz’s heart, but at the same time, one she remains incredibly humble about. Though charity is one of the cornerstones of her spiritual beliefs, she refuses to allow that aspect to promote her work in any way.

Aware of the bad press Islam receives, Raanaz feels that being an advocate for a religion which ultimately promotes peace and harmony is an opportunity.

“Art is a medium for people to see an enriched side of Islam, in a light which is welcoming and positive. I’m tired of Islam being portrayed as nothing but negative”

Raanaz considers herself fortunate enough to have had the support structure that is so vital when going against the norms of “what is expected” in Asian culture. Her family life keeps her grounded in what can be otherwise quite the jet-set lifestyle, where her work can take her to far-off places.

“Finally, Allhumdulilah years of hard work are paying off”, she smiles.

Essentially a businesswoman, juxtaposed with the twin roles of wife and mother, in this day and age, perhaps there is space for a new status quo after all?