Daily Inspiration: Meet Nina Kawar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Kawar.

Hi Nina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
First off, thank you for this opportunity to share my story and passions with you today. I am a Palestinian American artist living in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, creating art that speaks to healing, evolutionary growth, and change. Creativity has always been instilled in my heart, but it wasn’t clear to me that art was a path worth pursuing until I was 26 and living in San Diego, California. About a year after my first clay class, I went through a divorce and moved back to Wisconsin to eventually receive my BFA in 3D Design with an emphasis in metals, clay, and wood. From there it led me to Clemson University where I received my MFA in Ceramics in 2014 and found clarity that creating art was my purpose. I knew very little of what it took to be an artist in the real world outside of school, but I knew in my heart I needed to take that journey as a working artist versus teaching. This decision led me to Asheville, North Carolina where I already had family and many acquaintances in the ceramic community. Given the connections, my love for nature, and a city already on the map as an artistic community, it was a clear choice. I have since established a deep sense of home in one of the oldest mountains in the world, and it is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been. This undoubtedly has helped me be who I am today personally and in my creative work. My healing journey goes hand-in-hand with the evolution of my art. Together they continue to inform how I create, what is birthed, and the lens through which I navigate my life and my voice as a creator. Coming home to these mountains has expedited my personal growth in ways I could never have imagined. Although a challenging road pursuing a career as an artist, I wouldn’t change it for the world. 

Over the years I have exhibited my art nationally & internationally, developed a craft business, taught numerous students in my studio on the island in Marshall, NC, and so much more! It was three years ago now that I was able to take the leap and go full-time as an artist because of my Pure Ritual collection. This body of work consists of porcelain and copper metaphysical tools, sculptures, and jewelry, created to assist others on their spiritual journey and connect with their higher self. Although, it is my fine art that feeds my soul and continues to help me evolve as an artist and human. Over time as an artist, I have created numerous series of works that reflect my healing process and that of the collective. The act of intuitively listening and creating has helped me on my healing journey and it is my hope it has also spoken to the hearts of many. I see the work as a reflection of our collective consciousness and our ability to heal.

I have deep gratitude for all that has come to fruition in my creative practice. Each sculpture, installation, object, and adornment has fed me and informed my creative path. All while being in service to others through my art. In the last few years, I also returned to teaching ceramics, stepped into the mentor role, and currently returned to singing once again. This growth has ignited a spark and authentic desire to assist others on their creative journey. I trust this sweet dance as a creator will continue to fill my body and spirit with joy and remind many of the beauty, chaos, temporality, and ever-evolving process within healing and the human condition.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been an easy road, but my challenges have helped me grow and evolve as an artist and woman. The greatest struggle has been financially supporting myself while attending to my health. It has been difficult to navigate how to create art, share it with others, and pay bills in a world where artists are not fully understood or supported. This is surely the most proclaimed challenge in the artist community and should not come as a surprise. Over the years, I have worked multiple full-time jobs while creating art, exhibiting, and launching new businesses or projects. Although exhausting at times, I know it has helped me be the focused, ambitious, and passionate artist I am today. I have come to trust my art is meant to be shared and my strategy of falling the breadcrumbs has made for an exciting adventure. When something presents itself as an opportunity, I often take risks to explore the possibilities for me and my art. There have been times when I took on too much and my health has suffered. Chronic illness and fatigue are a couple of examples. I have been working on finding more balance within my work, play, and self-care practices over the last few years. This has allowed me the space to show up more authentically as an artist and individual. The roots of my work have always reflected these psychological and physical notions of this struggle of being in the body, healing, and evolutionary change. As I continue this path of being a full-time artist, I trust the financial aspect of my career will become easier. I have come to understand good things don’t happen overnight, but I am also open to it if it does.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a sculptor, designer, and teacher. Specializing in porcelain clay for over a decade, I am perhaps known for my sculptural creations. Learning the language of this pure clay body has been a wonderful journey because it continues to challenge me and its endless possibilities. Within my fine art practice, I am pushing the boundaries of the material by often carving large-scale or delicate forms. I also have a craft business, Pure Ritual, that consists of porcelain and copper electroformed metaphysical tools, sculptures, and jewelry. I am proud of my authenticity and curiosity and how it shows up in my art. I value staying true to myself and creating work that’s in alignment with who I am, and what I stand for. I do not create work just to sell or compromise my integrity in creating art that isn’t true to my heart. At the beginning of my journey, this was a conscious choice and one reason I chose to create a craft business so that it would support me as an artist versus putting pressure on my intuitive art. While my fine art is my passion, Pure Ritual is an extension of my heart and I am honored to create tools to assist others.

One thing that sets me apart is my unique abstract forms layered with symbolism and vulnerability. Often you can see textures or forms in my creations that suggest elements found in nature, animals, or the human body. A compilation of emotions and patterns found in psychology, biology, and spirituality.

What makes you happy?

 Dropping into the creative flow, singing, and spending time with my loved ones makes me happy! Creating is my favorite place to be as I am often in a meditative space that is healing and peaceful. When I get there, I am channeling and allowing spirit to work through me. I come to my practice with the intention of an open heart and clear mind, ready for wherever it may take me. This place of surrender and curiosity feeds my soul and is one of my greatest teachers. Although, it feels important to note that some days are more challenging to find the flow and that too is the practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.ninakawar.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninakawar/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-kawar-8a904646
• Other: https://www.pure-ritual.com

Image Credits
JLRoberts Photography Nina Kawar