alsaffarstudio

In 2010 I was introduced to Etsy by my friend "Ivan Kamilli" (also an Artist and an Etsy seller) since most of those who view my art say that it has an Arabic feel to it. I decided to make this my niche: Arabic Art by Alsaffar. I also feel there is a void of Arabic modern art needing to be filled.
When I work on an artwork inside my studio, I mostly rely on my imagination to visualize the end result/picture, being born and having lived in Baghdad/Iraq for 27 years has made my visual memory rich with Iraqi graphics and subject matter that help form most of my artwork.
I like to create primitive Arabic graphics... it gives a warm feeling to the viewer and it carries an originality and authenticity, something we lack or we've lost in our modern day life to be replaced by generic global culture.
That’s what I do when I work in my studio, but when I want to take a break from all that and get out to have some fresh air…I also draw !! I take out my drawing pad and tools to draw on location at a city landmark of my choice (I currently live in the city of Phoenix Arizona/U.S.A) and my goal is to do a reportage and make illustrations that reflect the spirit of the landmark/location, and I achieve that by creating the right visuals.
And yes I have a collection of these on location illustrations that I sell (originals and prints) at my second shop on Etsy titled "alsaffarart," I hope you take a look at it.
My first sale, (a customer from Australia) was made after 2 weeks from opening my shop. My start in selling on Etsy was a continuation to my first attempt (10 years ago) to have a business of creating and selling my art .
I have lived in 3 cities in the U.S.A.:
1- Los Angeles, California (lived there for 19 years)
2- Roanoke, Virginia (lived there for one year)
3- Phoenix, Arizona ( lived here since 2012 and still in Phoenix)