Meet Heraa Khan | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heraa Khan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heraa, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose an artistic career because it allows me to be myself in the most authentic way. It opens up a pathway for self-expression and personal exploration. My journey into Indo-Persian miniature painting has been a way to connect with my cultural heritage and roots. I am not only able to explore historical narratives but also reinterpret them through my contemporary lens.

Painting allows me to transcend time and place. It creates a dialogue between the past and the present. Each brushstroke becomes a narrative thread, weaving together my personal experiences, emotions, and ideas. It’s through my artistic process that I discover more about myself and the world around me. It allows me to continuously evolve both as an artist and as an individual.

Ultimately, my artistic career is not just a profession but a calling- a journey that continuously enriches and inspires me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artistic journey centers on using the traditional art form of Indo-Persian miniature painting to explore contemporary global concerns, particularly focusing on environmental issues. I completed my BFA at one of the oldest art schools in South Asia, where I received intensive training in Mughal and Persian miniature painting. This foundational education greatly shaped my visual language, characterized by meticulous detail, small scale, stylization, and stacked-up perspective. I then pursued further research and artistic development during my postgraduate studies in Canada.

Central to my artistic practice is a commitment to honouring the historical genre of miniature painting while embodying a deep dedication to sustainability and reverence for nature. I use natural materials sourced directly from the environment—such as feathers, squirrel hair, seashells, wooden sticks, gum arabic, and natural pigments—to craft qalam (paintbrush), vasli (paper), and apply rung (paint).

My professional journey has been challenging in many ways. Being an artist demands a significant amount of dedication and structure in one’s life. You have to be your own boss, setting your own schedule and goals. This autonomy can sometimes lead to distractions and difficulties in finding motivation to work, along with the occasional artist’s block.

Navigating these challenges has been a valuable learning experience, shaping me both personally and professionally. It has taught me the importance of self-discipline, patience, and the ability to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth and artistic evolution.

A crucial lesson I’ve learned along this path is the power of authenticity. Embracing my distinct perspective has enabled me to carve out a niche that resonates with audiences who share similar concerns about the environment and cultural heritage.

What I hope to convey to the world through my art and story is that it transcends mere canvases and paint—it embodies my journey as a mother, an artist, and a custodian of the environment. Through my artwork, I aspire to provoke contemplation about humanity’s relationship with nature and inspire positive actions toward sustainability.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Edmonton, Canada, and exploring the city means exploring its vibrant cultural and natural attractions. We’d start by strolling down Whyte Avenue, visiting local shops and galleries. Our itinerary would include stops at the Royal Alberta Museum and Art Gallery of Alberta to explore Alberta’s history and contemporary art scene. A day trip to Elk Island National Park for hiking and an exploration of Fort Edmonton Park for a sense of Edmonton’s past. To complete our visit, we’d take tours of the Alberta Legislature and explore the beautiful botanical gardens at the Muttart Conservatory. Throughout the week, we would also explore local cafes like District Café and Bakery and Duchess Bake Shop. We’d make sure to catch the local festivals or events happening during our visit, such as the Edmonton Fringe Festival or Ice on Whyte Festival throughout our stay.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my son, who has been an incredible source of inspiration and motivation throughout my artistic journey. From spending countless days and nights by my side in the studio to seeing the world anew through his eyes every day, he has deeply influenced my perspective as both an artist and a mother.

Becoming a parent has heightened my commitment to environmental awareness in my artwork. It’s through motherhood that I’ve become keenly aware of the impact of our choices on the world we’re crafting for future generations. This awareness is a central theme in my art.

To my son, you are my greatest masterpiece, and all my achievements and successes are dedicated to you. Thank you for enriching my life in ways words cannot fully express.

Instagram: @heraak

Other: heraakhan@gmail.com