In art, the journey of an artist often intertwines with their creations in ways that reflect their unique experiences and perspectives. Lebanese-American Ramsey Chahine (Instagram) is an artist whose path into this world has been marked by exploration and a deep-seated desire to tell stories through various mediums. Here, Chahine shares insights into the influences that have shaped his artistic journey, the sources of inspiration that fuel his creativity, and his current phase of experimentation as he merges painting, sculpture, and animation.
From an early age, Ramsey Chahine was surrounded by a landscape of imagination. “I was always creative, I was born creative,” he reflects, referring to an upbringing filled with curiosity and a relentless drive for storytelling. Books, especially those rich in mythology and intricate narratives, captured his attention. “I got really interested in books and writing when I was younger,” he explains, revealing how these literary adventures became the initial spark for his artistic expression.
As he delved deeper into storytelling, the transition from words to visual representation felt like a natural progression, as his hands slowly moved from the page to the paintbrushes. This eventually grew into drawing, painting, and visually representing his storytelling, Chahine recalls, marking the foundation of what would become a lifelong dedication to the arts.
Despite the allure of conventional career paths, Chahine recognized that he didn’t fit into a traditional mould. “I knew I couldn’t do a normal job,” he admits, understanding that his creative energy could not be confined to a desk job. During his college years, he immersed himself in his art, often preferring painting and writing to nights out. “I was painting all the time,” he says, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the joy and satisfaction that came with creating.
This fervour yielded results when, before graduation, Chahine experienced the exhilarating rush of selling his first paintings. “I sold like two paintings, one was for 150 bucks, and one was for like 600 bucks,” he shares how blown away he was to receive such recognition for his work. It felt like a dream come true, and in that moment, everything clicked for him. This validation ignited a spark within him, boosting his confidence in a way he hadn’t experienced before. It was as if someone had handed him a ticket to the world of professional art, and he was ready to board the train.
This pivotal moment solidified his commitment to pursuing art as a profession, turning his dream into reality. It made him realise that he could make a living doing what he loves, all of which proved another source of fuel for his passion. With this newfound confidence, he began to envision a future where his art could serve as a means to connect with others and to share stories. This realisation marked the start of his journey as an artist, allowing him to fully embrace his identity and believe in the value of his work within the art world.
At the core of Chahine’s artistic philosophy lies the belief that everyone has a calling—a unique journey within them, waiting to be embraced. “I think everyone has a calling, and there’s an adventure that awaits you with that calling,” he asserts, speaking of the excitement that accompanies the pursuit of one’s passion, even in the face of uncertainty. For him, the process of self-discovery and creative exploration mirrors the narrative arcs found in literature, where the unknowns and challenges enrich the experience.
This independent spirit, paired with an innate curiosity, has allowed Chahine to navigate the evolving landscape of art with purpose and confidence. “I enjoyed exploring ideas, and it gave me so much satisfaction,” he shares, emphasising the importance of discipline in transforming his vision into reality.
Chahine draws inspiration from a wide array of sources, with literature being a significant influence; he goes on to discuss how the themes and characters of his favourite writings inform his artistic practice. A particular focus on psychology, especially the works of Carl Jung, has profoundly shaped his self-portraits and explorations of identity. Jung’s concepts, such as the collective unconscious and archetypes, resonate with Chahine as he delves into the inner workings of the mind. By examining the deeper layers of self, he seeks to unearth the universal themes that connect us all. Jung’s idea of the persona—the outward identity we present to the world—plays a crucial role in how Chahine constructs his self-portraits. These works become not just representations of himself, but also explorations of the various masks we wear throughout life.
Inspiration can emerge from unexpected places, often found in the ordinary. Chahine shares a profound insight from his early experiences of painting: “If you look long enough at something, it reveals itself to you in many different ways.” This realisation speaks volumes about the depth of observation and the transformative power it holds. It’s a reminder that the simplest subjects can blossom into complex narratives filled with emotion and depth.
The transformative power of observation is particularly significant in an age where we often rush through experiences, distracted by the fast pace of life. Chahine’s approach encourages us to pause and truly see the world around us. It suggests that inspiration is not always found in grand ideas or spectacular events; sometimes, it lies in the quiet moments—the way a shadow falls across a surface, the intricate patterns of a leaf, or the fleeting expressions on a person’s face.
Throughout his journey, Chahine has embraced change and the inherent risks it entails. Drawing on the example of renowned artist Gerhard Richter, whose practice has changed dramatically over the years, he emphasises the necessity of trusting oneself amidst external scrutiny. “There can be this fear that if you change, you may lose what you have,” he reflects, acknowledging that fear should not stifle creativity. Instead, he advocates for the importance of independence in thought and practice, urging fellow artists to cultivate their unique voices. This sentiment resonates deeply within the art community, where the pressure to maintain a consistent identity can often overshadow the desire for exploration and growth.
This rebellious spirit is evident in how he approaches his current work. As Chahine enters an experimental phase, he is exploring the intersection of painting, sculpture, and animation—an endeavour that reflects his commitment to innovation and exploration.
Currently, Ramsey Chahine is focused on refining this experimental phase, where he merges various artistic mediums into a cohesive expression that reflects his vision for a multifaceted world. “I have several interests that I’m trying to merge—painting, sculpture, and animation,” he says, illustrating his ambition to create a world that transcends traditional boundaries. This interdisciplinary approach allows him to break free from the constraints of any single medium, enabling a richer exploration of themes and narratives. By incorporating drawings into his paintings, he envisions a future where these works can come alive through animation, creating a dynamic interplay between static and moving imagery. Furthermore, he sees the potential for these artistic explorations to translate into tangible forms, such as ceramic and metal sculptures, pieces which can embody the essence of his characters and stories in three dimensions.
Chahine’s world-building process is heavily influenced by mythology, which serves as a foundational element in his artistic practice. “I’ve been reading a lot of mythology and trying to build this world,” he explains, highlighting how these ancient tales inspire him to construct characters and narratives that flow seamlessly across different forms of expression. The themes and archetypes found in mythology provide a depth of meaning that enriches his work, allowing him to tackle complex human experiences and emotions. As he navigates this creative journey, Chahine embraces the uncertainty that accompanies the artistic process. “My responsibility is just to make it work and see what happens,” he states, embodying the essence of an artist driven by passion and curiosity. While specific exhibitions or projects may not be firmly established, his dedication to exploration and innovation remains steadfast. This openness to possibility not only fuels his creativity, but also invites audiences to join him in the adventure of discovery, as he continues to weave together mythology and modernity in his ever-evolving artistic landscape.
In a world where artistic purpose often intertwines with the individual’s journey, Ramsey Chahine embodies the spirit of following one’s calling. “The main thing is that we all have a voice within us that asks us to listen to it,” he reminds us, encouraging others to heed their inner calling and to embrace the adventure that lies ahead.
Ramsey Chahine’s artistic journey stands as a testament to the transformative nature of creativity. From the early sparks of imagination to his current phase of experimentation, his evolution as an artist reflects a profound connection to storytelling, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace change. As he continues to explore the interplay between painting, sculpture, and animation, it is clear that Chahine will remain a significant presence in the ever-evolving scene, inspiring others to embark on their own creative journeys.
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