Meet Sana Zulfiqar | Visual Artist

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

Hi Sana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Since college, I have always been an avid street photographer. My campus was in a historic part of the city, which naturally led me to explore and photograph the surrounding areas. This practice brought me immense joy and allowed me to study the architecture and people of my hometown, Lahore. Initially, I posted my photos on Instagram and Facebook without much thought, until I started receiving requests from alumni, friends, and classmates to photograph them, their weddings, and their families.
At that time, wedding photography in Lahore was a highly commercialized industry. However, my training and education as an architect allowed me to bring a more artistic perspective to it, which was sorely lacking. I photographed a few weddings and shared the results online. Before I knew it, I was overwhelmed with queries and bookings that I couldn’t keep up with! To manage the workload, I trained and enlisted the help of friends and family members.
After having children, I transitioned into fine art photography for kids and now only take on select local weddings. This transition has surprisingly challenged me creatively, enabling me to produce some of my best work, especially with my own children as subjects.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply influenced by my background as an architect and my experiences in Lahore, Pakistan. Lahore is a city brimming with history, culture, music, food, and dynamic architecture that fills every street with a unique energy. This vibrant environment, coupled with my education at one of the oldest art institutions in South Asia, has given me a profound appreciation for my culture and heritage. I bring these elements into my work, creating a visual narrative that is both personal and evocative.
What sets my art apart is the fusion of architectural precision with a deeply artistic perspective. My journey has been one of relentless practice, continuous learning and unlearning, and mastering the art of seeing. Carving out my own visual identity has been particularly challenging, especially as a professional receiving a lot of unsolicited and often irrelevant feedback. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the art of filtering: embracing advice that aligns with my vision and discarding the rest.
Overcoming challenges has been a significant part of my journey. As a female artist, I’ve faced imposter syndrome and self-doubt more frequently. However, I’ve turned these into strengths, using them as catalysts for growth and continuous learning. This mindset has enabled me to evolve constantly, pushing the boundaries of my creativity.
I’m most proud of how my work seamlessly blends cultural heritage with contemporary artistic techniques. This unique blend not only tells a story but also resonates deeply with those who view my art. Transitioning from architecture to fine art photography, particularly focusing on children, has been an exciting and fulfilling journey. It has allowed me to create some of my best work, especially involving my own children as subjects.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Sacramento for a week, I’d ensure they have an unforgettable experience, immersing them in the unique charm and diverse offerings of this vibrant city. Here’s a detailed itinerary to make the most of their visit, including some of my favorite places:

Day 1: Exploring Historic Sacramento
Morning: Start with a stroll through Old Sacramento, where the Gold Rush era comes to life. Explore the California State Railroad Museum and the Sacramento History Museum.
Afternoon: Wander through the cobblestone streets, visiting unique shops and historic buildings.
Evening: Head to The Firehouse Restaurant for a fine dining experience in a historic firehouse.
Day 2: Art and Culture
Morning: Visit the Crocker Art Museum, home to an impressive collection of California art, European paintings, and international ceramics.
Afternoon: Explore the Midtown area, known for its vibrant murals and eclectic art galleries. Don’t miss the Verge Center for the Arts, a hub for contemporary art and creativity.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Kru, renowned for its exquisite sushi and Japanese cuisine.
Day 3: Nature and Outdoors
Morning: Take a scenic hike in the American River Parkway, a beautiful natural area perfect for walking, cycling, and bird watching.
Lunch: Picnic in William Land Park, a spacious green area with beautiful gardens and a serene pond.
Afternoon: Visit the Sacramento Zoo or Effie Yeaw, especially if traveling with children.
Evening: Dine at The Kitchen Restaurant, where you can enjoy a unique, interactive dining experience.
Day 4: Food and Exploration
Morning: Explore the Sacramento Farmers Market to sample fresh, local produce and artisanal goods.
Lunch: Enjoy farm-to-fork cuisine at Magpie Café.
Afternoon & Evening: Take a leisurely walk through the historic neighborhoods of Sacramento as a flâneur, observing the everyday life and hidden gems of the city.
Day 5: Culinary Delights
Morning: Start the day with a visit to the California State Capitol Museum to learn about California’s history and government.
Lunch: Savor authentic Italian cuisine at Biba, a renowned local restaurant.
Afternoon: Explore Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park and discover the history of the early pioneers.
Evening: Enjoy handmade pizza at OneSpeed or OBO, a favorite spot for its delicious, artisanal pizzas.
Day 6: Arts and Entertainment
Morning: Visit the B Street Theatre for a live performance or workshop.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Tower Café, famous for its eclectic menu and lush patio.
Afternoon: Take a tour of local art studios and galleries, such as the ARTHOUSE or the Verge.
Evening: Catch a movie at the historic Crest Theatre or enjoy a concert at Ace of Spades.
Day 7: Leisure and Relaxation
Morning: Spend the morning at the beautiful Sacramento River, perhaps renting a kayak or paddleboard.
Lunch: Have some neighborhood sushi at Chef Frank’s.
Afternoon: Visit McKinley Park for a relaxing walk and enjoy the rose garden.
Evening: Conclude the trip with ice cream at Leatherby’s Family Creamery, savoring their delicious homemade treats.
Sacramento is a city that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. As a flâneur, I love exploring the city’s hidden gems, from its bustling art scene to its serene parks. Whether wandering through local galleries, savoring farm-to-fork cuisine, or simply strolling along the river, there’s always something exciting to discover in Sacramento. Plus, with the Bay Area and Lake Tahoe just 90 minutes away, the adventure possibilities are endless!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am incredibly grateful for the numerous people in my life who have supported me and my work. My college friends, all of whom are artists and architects, and my family have provided unwavering support. My husband has always had my back, and my children continue to be a constant source of inspiration.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asmallshutter/