Pakistani crystal artist featured in Forbes

Sara Shakeel's Instagram feed features unusually thought-provoking yet beautiful images

Sara Shakeel is the latest artist to gain momentum on social media. Her crystal art work has everyone mesmerised and she's definitely become the talk of the town in a short period of time.

Boasting nearly 400,000 Instagram followers, her feed features unusually thought-provoking yet beautiful images. From McDonald's fries to the Milan Cathedral, the artist is able to add much bling to anything and everything. She is all about conveying emotions through the use of shiny, bright and alluring crystals.

PHOTO: SARA SHAKEEL

While many are already in awe of her peculiar work, Shakeel's claim to fame may be the fact that she was just featured on Forbes. Introducing her as "a digi art sensation," the interview delves into the dentist-turned-artist's work, future and more.

What was your first memory of art?

Since the day I laid my eyes on crayons, paint, glue, music, all forms of art I have been inquisitive. And let me tell you it’s never been limited to painting - whether it be music, theatre or acting.

PHOTO: SARA SHAKEEL

At a very young age, I knew art had something in relation with creating the whole concept of creating itself and it was so therapeutic. I don’t have an art background, no one in my family is an artist, in fact, they are engineers, doctors, pilots, and teachers. I was always told that there was no chance of me getting into an art school and pursuing that line of work. Thus I chose to be a dentist which I personally loved, equal to being an artist.

What feeds into your works?

 God, memories and whatever I lay my eyes on. My art is either a story I want to live for myself, something I have witnessed or a life I want to live - emotions play a major part in my work. I am in a habit of giving my heart to any piece I create.

PHOTO: SARA SHAKEEL

Why diamonds?

Crystals and diamonds are my mediums of looking through this world! Bright, shiny, valuable and something to be taken care of. You must have noticed how I add crystals and diamonds to the most ordinary objects of everyday life. For example, while junk food is one of my favorite things, I have to control myself, so once in a while when I eat a burger or fries, I see them as being holy, shining and ready to be savoured.

What is the greatest lesson learned when it comes to the art world? 

With no formal art training, this path of life - although very rewarding - is extremely ruthless. Especially in today's world, where ideas are floating and every other person claims to be an artist.

PHOTO: SARA SHAKEEL

I try to tell everyone who comes up to me for advice: Every human has their own gift which is unique and different from the billions out there. So why waste time in copying others when that brain of yours can create a million new ideas of your own? Just give it a chance! I mean I did, and it proved me right.

What is coming up for you? 

Lots of collaborations! And I really want to move somewhere I can be inspired on a daily basis! Maybe Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Florence... let's see.

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