Umbreen Hasan uses unconventional materials and tools to create unique abstract paintings that resemble rich oceans and otherworldly stones. She applies these gorgeous images to a wide range of products, bringing a sense of wonder to a room in surprising ways.
Who are you and what do you do?
I am Umbreen Hasan; creator of Umbreen Hasan Fine Art, a practicing specialist physician in Minneapolis, an MBA in Healthcare Administration, interior designer, event planner for friends, and most importantly mother and wife to a wonderful family! I started painting in 2017 and my business for corporate and hospitality art installations came into existence in April 2019. Prior to that I was mostly exhibiting in galleries locally as well as nationally in Chicago and New York.
I don’t use any typical art tools like brushes, but paint with my hands, hair dryers, heat guns, canned air and fire from blow torches. Although I use acrylics, oil and encaustics (molten wax with pigments) my interest is in alcohol inks, resin and sculptured artworks using gold dust and semiprecious gems for colors.
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What’s the latest thing you’ve been working on?
I have so many ideas floating in my mind everyday! Although I love making large scale artworks, recently I have started making resin jewelry trays, catchalls from scratch, wooden cheeseboards, charcuterie boards and serving trays with original artwork. I love to combine art with functionality. These generally get sold out quickly as people love to use an original piece of art in their daily lives and not just something which hangs on the wall.
What do your customers love most about your products?
My clients love the fact that my artworks are unique as I don’t use the traditional tools and techniques. Incorporating metals like gold, copper, aluminum and gems such as malachite, quartz, amethyst etc makes them a unique, one of a kind product. My artworks evoke feelings of joy, happiness and serenity. That’s what I try to achieve in my work and that is one of the greatest compliment I have received from my previous clients. It gives me immense pleasure to hear that I can convey these beautiful emotions through my artwork.
Have you always been passionate about art and design?
I have always loved art and interior designing but once I entered the medical field, I didn’t have time to pursue my hobbies. I have never been trained in fine arts but always had an inclination towards it.
How did you get started in your business?
I was involved in a motor vehicle accident in 2016 and suffered various injuries. One day while I was feeling down, I went to the local craft store to buy supplies for a flower arrangement. I found myself standing in the art section and inquired from the salesgirl to help me pick out some paint and tools as I had no idea how to use them. My first painting was that evening and when my family saw it, they didn’t believe that I had painted it. After that painting was therapeutic for me and my studio was my sanctuary. Soon a magazine heard my story and featured me in January 2018. The rest is history.
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What are some inspirations for your work?
My inspiration has always been nature. I lived in New Zealand for a couple of years on the beach. We used to go for walks in the rainforest. These are such precious memories and that’s the inspiration for all my art.
Where do you see your business in 3 years?
We have been working on establishing a strong presence as a one stop business for corporate, hospitality and healthcare art installations both locally and nationally. I still work with individual clients as my interior design background can help in choosing the right art for the color scheme, space and the budget.
We have also continued to cater home décor sector with functional art such as charcuterie boards and serving trays.
We plan to expand into art licensing and collaborate with some companies
A range of wallpapers for interior designers is also in the pipeline.
Check out more of Umbreen Hasan's products online, and be sure to stop by her booth at the Minneapolis Gift & Art Expo, November 1-3, 2019 at the Minneapolis Convention Center!
www.umbreenhasan.com