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Sara Shakeel, digital artist from Pakistan. Photo © Courtesy of the artist
Tell us what you do and your beginnings.
I am an artist whose journey began with an unexpected twist. I never intended to leave dentistry, a profession I loved and cherished deeply. I found immense joy in its precision, care, and healing. But life, in its unpredictable way, led me down a different path I hadn’t planned for but ultimately embraced with my whole heart.
During personal challenges, I turned to art as a means of expression, a way to communicate what words couldn’t convey. I began as a digital artist, discovering an uncharted technique that would become my signature. I was the first artist to apply a digital layer of crystals onto images, whether they be plain photographs or collages.
Much like a poet uses words to weave emotions, I use crystals — both glass and mineral — to express the delicate, unspoken facets of human experience. Each crystal, each facet, became a reflection of my thoughts, my emotions, and my dreams. What began as a form of personal healing evolved into a global dialogue, one where I invite others to find beauty in the cracks and imperfections of life.
© Sara Shakeel
Today, my art is a language of transformation, of taking what is fractured and turning it into something radiant.
What does your work aim to say?
My work speaks of transformation, the idea that beauty can emerge from any situation, no matter how fractured or imperfect it seems. I believe in the magic of seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Crystals, to me, represent something sacred — they are symbols of light, energy, and hope.
Through my art, I aim to communicate that we all carry a unique sparkle within us, and it is often our challenges, our cracks, that allow the light to shine through. I want my viewers to feel a sense of wonder, to be reminded of the beauty in their own journeys, and to reconnect with their inner child — where curiosity and imagination live freely.
Where do you find inspiration for your art?
Inspiration surrounds me in every facet of life. I draw from the vastness of the universe, the intricate patterns of nature, and the human experience. Whether it’s the glistening of raindrops on a window, the boundless galaxies in the night sky, or even the fragility of a flower petal — everything has a story, a sense of wonder waiting to be discovered.
My Pakistani and South Asian heritage also play a profound role in my work. I infuse my pieces with cultural elements, from intricate traditional patterns to vibrant colors that remind me of the richness of South Asian art and storytelling. It’s a way to honor my roots while embracing the global resonance of art.
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