If you've had a thorough browse through our art shop, you're definitely familiar with the artwork of this week's interviewed artist! Meet Fawaz AlOlaiwat, the master behind 3 different art pieces in our shop - Tree Of Life, Can you Hear Me?, and Sad Mountain!

Sit back and enjoy discovering how growing up in the Middle East and later studying at the Art Institute International in Pittsburgh, U.S., has created a distinct, blended artistic style in Fawaz AlOlaiwat.


Q: Background information?

Name: Fawaz alOlaiwat
Age: 33
Country: Bahrain
Occupation: Art Director, Freelance Designer, Visual Artist, Tekno DJ & Producer, and Writer

Q: How did you discover YayArt?

I saw a post about the competition on artbistro.com.

Q: As I understand it, you are from the Middle East and have been studying in the US. How do you think these two different cultures are reflected in your style?

Mixing the 2 cultures together is actually one of my main themes. Islamic art is amazing, but it's not funky. So I use what I learned to create a new style based on mixing the 2 cultures together, or using Islamic art as backgrounds or even small elements, to maintain the feel of my culture in all of my work.

Q: What do you think are the biggest differences in these two cultures, and what are the biggest similarities?

They're different and similar at the same time.
The differences: language, mentality, history, accepting new trends, going out of the rules
The similarities: challenges of life, love for art, appreciation for creativity, and the way each culture observes art.

Q: The three pieces you have in the shop are quite different, yet still all powerful in their own way. How would you define your style?

My art is a combination of styles. I don't think of a certain style when working on my art, and I usually mix a few styles together.

My focus is on the message, the style is always defined by the message. Some of my pieces will have (illustrations, photos, hand drawings, calligraphy, typography and abstract textures) all in one piece.

It's not easy for me to define my style and I'm always exploring new styles and techniques, but it's all in the category of Visual Art or Illustration.

Q: Why do you think so many of your pieces end up in the shop? And do you have any tips for upcoming artists?

("Can you hear me" & "Sad Mountain") I think because the pieces are very emotional and speak to the heart. These 2 pieces have had a mezmorizing effect on all the viewers.

In "Tree of life" I believe it's the color combination, the simple use of brush strokes, and more than anything it's the simplicity of the concept. But I think these feelings are different from one person to another.

My advice is:

Rules: You have to know all the rules, then you have to work with all the rules, but not be tied down by them. Try to create your own as you go along.

Color: Always explore exciting and effective color combinations. Look at other artists and try to dig deep into their concepts. Don't copy, just observe and understand. Always add a personal touch to help create a unique style. Practice and practice and experiment.

Q: What are your main influences?

Salvador Dali, Picasso, Frank Miller, Comics, Horror, Fantasy & Sci-fi stories, Movies.

Q: Do you have any favorites in the shop?

Don't Mix Colour, Pseudo Phantasy (All the work of Antonella Spagnoli), Suffering in Silence, Ideas, Junkie, On the Verge of Stars, Pain

Q: Are you working on any new, wonderful art pieces we'll be seeing in the future?

Yes, I have a number of pieces.

Q: How do you like being an artist for YayArt?

I like it a lot. This is a great artists community!

I'm always excited about submitting a new piece because of the exposure and profits. Plus, I have gotten a number of projects and loads of contacts with buyers and artists.




We really appreciate Fawaz taking the time to share his story, influences, and even some artistic hints! We hope you got a good feel for how his background inspired his 3 winning pieces and who he is as an artist.

As always, recommendations for the next interview are very welcome :)