Usarae Gul reflects on leading South-Asian creatives & taking a chance after graduation.

23.07.20 — Words by Usarae Gul. Introduced by & in conversation with Jaheed Hussain.

Visual artist and textile designer, Usarae Gul talks to Fuse about finding a creative community, early struggles within her career and inspired individuals, influencing an ever-growing practice. Having been featured on the likes of Its Nice That, Usarae’s pieces have been received worldwide - adapted to portray environments, belonging and upbringing. For a while now, Usarae has been a part of our community due to her London-Manchester based locale, so we were very excited to chat again. 

How is your local creative community perceived to you? Is there anything about it you love about it?

I have recently moved cities and become freelance, so my new local community is my online space. I adore the support I get from other small businesses and artists, whether it be a like, share, direct message, or email, it’s all love. Recently, I have been more transparent at sharing my creativity online. I’ve held back in the past, as it’s something I hold really dear to me, and I have been scared of judgement! Through sharing my work, I have been introduced to so many like-minded talented people, which just goes to show; What you manifest in the world comes back to you! I love how my creative community lift each other up and are my biggest cheerleaders, eg Fuse.

How has lockdown been for you, what have you been up to?

I have actually quite enjoyed lockdown, I am a bit of a hermit naturally and so staying at home hasn’t felt so unusual. Lockdown has really introduced a sense of focus and given me a kind of ‘if not now? when?’ mentality - this has been a breath of fresh air for a usually, overly perfectionist me that puts things off out of fear of things not being perfect! I am very house proud, so I have used this time to complete home decor projects, clean windows, plump cushions, and do mini-photoshoots with pretty much everything I own. Lockdown has also been a time of self reflection and when I met my alter ego, Aunty Pinky. I think she’s surfaced now as she allows me to have an out of body experience without leaving my four walls?

What notable experiences have you had being a part of creative industry? Good or bad!

The most notable positive experience I’ve had to date has been exhibiting work at The Whitworth Art Gallery, the very same gallery I used to go to for inspiration when I was at university - that was a wonderful full circle. 

The creative industry has turned me away at countless times. When I graduated (and beyond) I really struggled to get my foot through the door. I was confused as I had lots of work experience & had a first class from a good university. Coming from a family of academics, I had NO idea how the creative industry worked or had any contacts. Then, one day I had an epiphany to remove my last name, Khan, from my CV. I thought it was silly at first but to my amazement it made a huge difference. I started to hear back from people, to this day I don’t use it.

Are there any creatives you look up to? Anyone who's been making incredible work recently? 

My ultimate creative muse is my mother, she is a huge influence in my life, although by profession she was a doctor and she held an incredible creative energy - with everything she touched, it was made more beautiful, whether it be fashion, interiors or ideas. My mother was the one that instilled a sense of awe and wonder in me, and cultivated my mind to see beauty in simple things. She once said to me, ‘stick with the first idea that comes to your heart, it’s always the best’, and it has always been!

There are so many people making incredible work!! I am loving the new generation of South-Asian creatives. It’s SO refreshing to see people that look like yourself thriving and taking up space. Whether it be make-up artists like Rowi Singh, or visual artists like Maria of Hatecopy, or stylists like Reva of Hybrid Hues, I love it all.

What's next for you? 

What’s next for me is a lot more painting, so watch this space!

Anything you want to mention or share?

I have a new website that’s www.usarae.com and my Instagram is @usarae_gul. I do commissioned paintings, sell prints and love to collaborate so send me a message!

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Image credits: Usarae Gul

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