Portraits: Abdulla Al Awadi

Architect, artist and designer – Abdulla Al Awadi is a man of many talents. Armed with a degree in Architecture and Photography and a Masters in Urban Design and Town Planning from Miami University in Florida, Abdulla has taught at the College of Architecture Kuwait University. His works have been exhibited in reputable art venues around the world and he has a flair for the dramatic, having honed his skills behind the scenes in the theatre world. Now he has taken the jewellery world by storm with his collaboration with Lotus Arts de Vivre and his “Howa Heya Collection”.

What are the best things and worst things about you?

My thirst to learn and experience new things, (worst is) self-doubt.

What inspires you?

Anything and everything.

Can you cook and if so, what is your speciality?

Yes, sauces that can go on anything.

What makes you happiest?

Unexpected acts of kindness.

What is the biggest misconception you have heard about yourself?

That I am arrogant.

What does directing mean to you?

Having a clear vision of the end product, then picking the best group to help you get there.

What has been your greatest achievement in life?

Starting my art at the age of 40 (although I claim I am 24).

Tomorrow, April 25, 2018 at 6pm, Opening of the Exhibition ‎Kuwaiti artist and designer Abdulla Al Awadi’s jewelry collaboration with *Lotus Arts De Vivre* in Dar Al Funoon Gallery @dafgallery Exploring the subject of self-expression through adorning your body with words, Al-Awadi’s designs examine the verdict of showcasing and/or empowering the masculine/feminine attributes of you. He (howa) هو is the lover, the father, the son, the companion, the divine, or just the masculine part of one’s self. She (heya) هي is the lover, the mother, the daughter, the companion, the divine, or just the feminine part of one’s self. #artkuwait #gcc #gcctalents #arabart #arabdesign #arabdesigners #jewelry #jewelrydesigner #jewelrymaking #arabjewellery #kuwaity #kuwaitinstagram #kuwaiti #kuwaitevents #q8art #q8instagram #q8photo ‎
A post shared by Art Kuwait (@artkuwait) on Apr 24, 2018 at 1:55am PDT

Favourite theatre production and movie?

Phantom of the Opera, Steel Magnolias and Dangerous Liaisons, (if I had to choose).

What do you spend the most and least money on?

Home objects and theatre tickets, (least on) cars.

What’s the first thing you do when you get out of bed?

Take a shower to fully wake up.

What is your current state of mind?

A one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest.

Who has been your biggest role model?

My grandmother (God rest her soul).

When is it okay to lie?

To save someone from unnecessary pain.

What is your most overused phrase or word?

Do you understand me?

Who or what philosophy has been your biggest influence?

Take me where I am supposed to go. Show me what I am supposed to see.

Are you a morning or night person?

NIGHT.

What is a trait you admire most in a person?

Acceptance.

Favourite holiday destination?

London/New York.

Favourite city to photograph?

Florence.

Related: Portraits: Patrick Grove

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