Young Sabahat inspires budding calligraphers

HARIPUR:

Haripur University’s Sabahat Fida, an inspiration for many, has made a name for herself in the field of calligraphy and Islamic artwork since a very young age.

For Sabahat, focusing solely on her own passion and career is not enough; she is also an avid teacher and mentor, conducting online as well as in-person classes for those who share her zeal for calligraphy.

A resident of the Khalabat area in Haripur, her fame is recognised in Lahore as well, where she won an award during an exhibition featuring her paintings and calligraphy.

Sabahat says that her fascination with Islamic calligraphy began in childhood, with the appeal to dabble in the field growing rather than diminishing with time. Her never-ending love for the nuances of the particular artwork is something that keeps her engaged in her work day and night.

“Calligraphy is more than a hobby for me, it is an integral part of my life,” she said, adding that she chose to pursue her higher studies in the same discipline.

The artist credited her parents’ support and encouragement for her success in the field and expressed gratitude for the valuable guidance of her teachers as well.

“I started off with painting and soon turned to calligraphy, which I believe has always been my calling,” said Sabahat, who is now adept in the arts of both modern and traditional calligraphy.

Besides studying, teaching and mentoring, Sabahat also runs an established business wherein she works on commissioned orders for clients in Pakistan and abroad.

“Many of my international orders come through my relatives and friends,” she said. “I also have a social media page by the name of Sabahat Art Gallery, where my work can be viewed.”

While the income from her work does add to her sense of fulfilment and independence, the calligrapher firmly believes that her creations serve a much higher purpose than just financial gain.

“Money has never been my motivation,” she affirmed. “Just the fact that my paintings and calligraphy bring my art and talent to the fore and can also inspire others to follow the path of art is all the encouragement and praise that I need.”

Sabahat’s father, a schoolteacher by profession, has been a staunch supporter of her passion throughout her life.

“My father is my main pillar of support, not just with his words, but also in his efforts to help me break my shell and promote my work outside home,” she said.

Her determination to share her knowledge of calligraphy and painting stems from her own experience with her excellent teachers, who have been a source of priceless learning, encouragement and sincere advice from the last three years.

“Although I have been involved in art since long, my teachers are the reason for the substantial knowledge that I now possess about my work,” said Sabahat.

The artist has called for the younger generation to come forward and promote calligraphy as widely as possible.

“In this digital world, artwork done by hand must be recognised for its worth and accorded the utmost value,” she insisted.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st, 2022.