Dubai-based artist and designer Lourdy Ghorayeb depicts moments, people and their identities. She draws her artwork by putting the pen on paper and not taking it off until the piece is finished. Focusing on the very essence of things, she represents the way she sees the world in a single line through her platform Inky Ways.
Lourdy Ghorayeb comes from a Lebanese background. She received her BFA degree in Interior Design at the American University in Dubai . She now joined the field of art consultancy and continues to work on her passion for art, design and fashion in parallel.
One line art is some kind of therapy to me. It brings me focus; I love the idea of putting the pen on paper and letting my hand do whatever it likes freely, it’s like drawing the shapes of my thoughts and feelings. I really believe that there is a connection between our body, people, places and vibes that surrounds us. We surround ourselves with things we love. Things that touch and inspire us by their beauty or that capture memories of people and moments we treasure. Therefore, I wake up everyday with a mission to capture and deconstruct people and moments through one continuous line.
When did you begin your journey with abstract art?
I have always been into art but I developed my own style around two years ago which is Line Art. My main inspiration is the great artist Pablo Picasso. He took a complex, realistic example and simplified it into one single unbroken line. These drawings can look relatively simple to make, but capturing the true essence of the shape in just one line can be quite challenging. I love the idea of putting the pen on paper and letting my hand do whatever it likes freely, it’s like drawing the shapes of my thoughts and feelings.
How would you describe your art?
I describe my art as minimal, clean and simple.
What inspires you to make an art piece which is reflective of moments people or identities?
I mostly draw people through one line. People and moments are complex and fascinating. I like deconstructing them so I can see and understand them better. It’s amazing that we could deconstruct and simplify things that are so complex using a line and then turn them into something so simple and minimal
What are your plans for your new and upcoming fashion line?
My plan is to create iconic wearable items inspired by my line art.
What are the influences in your life that inspired your art style?
I’ve always been a fan of the great artists Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.
Your art tells a story with simplicity: what is the creative process like for making line art, sculptures and designing fashion pieces?
I create art in the moment. One line allows me to focus and be spontaneous at the same time. “One line art is some kind of therapy to me. It brings me focus; I love the idea of putting the pen
on paper and letting my hand do whatever it likes freely, it’s like drawing the shapes of my thoughts and feelings. I really believe that there is a connection between our body, people, places and vibes that surrounds us. We surround ourselves with things we love. Things that touch and inspire us by their beauty or that capture memories of people and moments we treasure. Therefore, I wake up everyday with a mission to capture and deconstruct people and moments through one continuous line.”
Could you tell us about your exhibition used for VIDA Creek Harbour hotel?
It’s been a really great opportunity to have my sculptures displayed in Vida Creek Harbor. I designed 6 sculptures showcasing memories from my childhood, recalling the sailing boats and dhows seen in the old Dubai Creek.
Inky Ways allows people to make customized art based on their photographs. What is the response to your boutique, both in Dubai and abroad?
I personally love personal and customized gifts. Therefore, I wanted to give people the opportunity to turn their special moments and photographs into art pieces that could be displayed for a lifetime in their homes. The response is great and my customized art is the most requested style so far.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who want to make a positive impact on the world?
Never give up on your passion and dreams. “The things that you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling.”- Fabienne Fredrickson.
See more of Lourdy’s work on www.inkyways.com and @inkyways
