by Alyssa Jaffer

Growing up in France to Moroccan parents, London illustrator Sakina Saïdi has always had an eye for the beauty in the unique. She spoke with ALHAUS magazine about her life as a graphic artist and activist and the roles her identities and passions play in her art.

“I grew up learning about different cultures and traditions. My experiences nurtured my style and desire to represent this beautiful mix of cultures that characterises my personality and art,” explains Sakina. As a born creative, Sakina charted her path through graphic design and even science before establishing herself as a full-time illustrator two years ago.

Taking in the vibrant colours, soft curves and stark but soothing contrasts in her illustrations, Sakina explained how her heritage and womanhood are front and centre in her illustrations.

“My art is very personal and exists because of my experiences, so of course it is heavily influenced by the fact that I’m a woman. My art is often described as very feminine,” notes Sakina.

“My love for colours, patterns and curiosity is nourished by the dual culture I grew up in. I loved going to Morocco for the holidays with my family and was always fascinated by the craftsmanship and the sheer variety of it, but also by the preservation of these techniques and art through centuries.”

A contrast between the classic and the modern medium of her craft is visible in Sakina’s art pieces, just beneath the surface. And if you look a little closer, you’ll find something even more striking: a pointed social message.

Her illustration Stop Shrinking, depicting a woman on her back with her feet in the air, was inspired by a quote she came across: “Stop shrinking to fit into places you have outgrown.”

“It resonated so much with me, I had to create an illustration from it,” Sakina says. “2020 has been such a strange year that it put an emphasis on that feeling. It’s hard to push through the discomfort to create more space for growth, so we choose to adapt to the discomfort and settle for less than we are worth. But the discomfort is temporary and the reward will be worth it.”

Commentary on identity and social justice issues often weave their way into Sakina’s work. Not only an illustrator, she is also an activist.

“I believe that everybody deserves the same rights, opportunities, and freedom to thrive on their own terms. Sometimes I draw spontaneously about issues I care about — specifically young girls’ education. Both academic and sexual education are so important to give them the tools to make informed decisions and have real power over their lives and futures,” explains Sakina.

“I recently worked on an animation about safer abortion in Malawi, a project lead by the London School of Economics and [animation non-profit] PositiveNegatives. It was amazing to bring that story to life through my illustrations and then see it animated, ready to convey an educational message to young people.”

This passion transcends her work as an illustrator and is evident in how she runs her business as well: “As an entrepreneur, it’s important to stay aligned with the values that guide me in my life and it is possible to do things in a humane way. A percentage of my shop sales support charities that work to advance women’s rights and equality for girls across the world.”

We all share in this social responsibility, as makers and consumers, according to Sakina: “It’s important to be aware of how products are created. It’s not okay to put a feminist slogan on a t-shirt made by underpaid, exploited garment workers.”

Her parting words for fellow crafters are encouraging and speak to the grit it takes to make it — especially in times like 2020: “Start somewhere — anywhere — and then keep creating. It’s not easy to stay motivated but it helps if you re-focus on what matters to you: why you are creating in the first place. We all have our own paths. Don’t get distracted with what others are doing, but be happy for them and keep on creating.”

@heyimsakina

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