Interview with Rawan Ita
Rawan Ita is a Detroit based artist of Babylonian descent. She was a full-time graduate student studying architecture, an intern, hairstylist, and volunteer. On January 20th, 2017 all of that changed. She was walking across a lot and was hit by an SUV. As a result, Rawan lost much of her physical capabilities and life, as she knew it, had changed. Injuries involving her spine, musculoskeletal, and nerves left her weakened and hurting.
Her limited mobility and loneliness inspired her to find purpose in new circumstances. She needed a form of release. She found art and quickly realized the power it has over inner healing.
To create, Rawan persists through the pain and finds therapy through painting; splashing her fear, anger, and pain onto various substrates. Whether she paints with alcohol ink, watercolor, or acrylic, Rawan always discovers a place of safety, relief, and pure bliss as she experiments with canvas, glass, tile, vinyl, and wood.
Her fascination with painting may have bloomed from a traumatic event, but she thanks God for the gift of making art. She finds it a blessing to be able to express the good, the bad, and the truths of life through what she calls Project TheraPaint. Her faith taught her how to persevere while painting brought a sense of purpose back into her life. In the beginning of her art endeavor, Rawan was invited to showcase her work in Detroit, Chicago, New York City, and Venice, Italy. As her artistry grows, Rawan’s hope is that others may connect with her emotionally evoking paintings and find inspiration through their own journey.
Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the arts? and your first experience in art making?
For as long as I can remember, I have loved the combination of function and elegance. I love being able to look at something beautiful, but better yet, be able to use something beautiful. I found that architecture allowed me to pursue this desire. I could make spaces and products that could help enhance one’s life when in it. I continue to pursue my master’s of architecture while I am growing within the art world. For as long as I’ve been in school, it would show that I love it. My first experiences in art were most-likely in the early years of school. However, the first time I created for my own personal well-being was the spring of 2017. That first mess I made on the lawn was what ignited my love for this, my love for painting life’s messes.
How would you describe yourself and your artwork?
Honest. I am quite a shy and quiet person but when I paint, I can speak through color and movement and texture. If I feel a particular way, it’ll show in my artwork. Painting allows me to boldly state what I feel, think, and want when words won’t suffice.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My muse is life. All the parts of life, but especially the ugliest parts. Art is a language. When I paint, it allows me to speak what my heart feels. When trauma and sorrow overwhelm my mind, I use those emotions and events to guide my hands at telling the story of my life in each piece.
What emotions do you hope the viewers experience when looking at your art?
I want my work to evoke all of the emotions. Pieces such as ‘Heaven Has Answers’ could bring a sense of hope and peace to a viewer. While pieces like ‘Lacking’ could connect with a person’s innermost angst and fear. I paint what I feel…and I feel a lot. I hope that viewers can feel what drove each piece into creation.
When do you know that an artwork is finished ?
Normally, I begin painting because of the urge to express my mood or thoughts. I know when an artwork is finished when I come down from that sense of euphoria or when my frustration/anger has been tamed through the painting process. Painting is my therapy so a piece is finished when I feel that I’ve been “treated”.
What has been the most exciting moment in your art career so far?
The most exciting moment in my art career happened very early on during an art showcase in Detroit. The curator approached my space and said “The most beautiful pieces come from the most painful places…and I can see that here”. I hadn’t realized how true to their purpose my paintings were before then. That is the moment when I knew that what I had been doing wasn’t just for me anymore. It’s for anyone who feels forgotten, lost, or unspoken for.
How long does it take to produce one work?
Sometimes, an abstract work can take a few hours to paint. Other times, the process can take several weeks. I relish in playing with line-work and embellishing some pieces that I feel need more attention. Each making experience is unique and requires their unique lengths of time.
What exciting projects are you working on right now?
I have been working on commission-based paintings, which is quite new for me. My work consists mostly of abstract paintings or cityscapes. However, I always enjoy a challenge and when I was asked to paint a powerful animal, I could not resist! I chose the lion; it represents strength and protection and was my father’s favorite creature. Painting that lion wasn’t just about capturing the animal, it was about capturing what the animal symbolizes. This piece has encouraged me very much to explore painting techniques that could help me evolve as an artist.
Do you have any upcoming events or exhibitions we should know about?
Life has been extra messy this year. I am allowing myself to take time away from exhibitions to focus on the urgent needs of myself and of my family’s. In due time, I look very forward to showcasing again in my favorite cities; Detroit, Chicago, and NYC!
Email: Rita@ProjectTheraPaint.com
Website: ProjectTheraPaint.com
Instagram: @Project.TheraPaint
Facebook: TheraPaint
