Soumaya’s work continually astonishes with its polish and professionalism. Wildly popular, and one of the stars of the AWAKE group, Soumaya Schnur was the featured artist of Issue No. 16 of Living the Photo Artistic Life …

Q: What is it that inspires you as an artist?

Soumaya: So many things! People inspire me, certainly: a look, a gesture, a certain vibe projected, body language or the expressed emotion of that person. It is fascinating to me, like reading a map and trying to understand it.

Thoughts inspire me. I am very visual in the way I process everything, so when a thought runs through my head, I can actually see it in all it’s aesthetic beauty.

Learning inspires me. For the more I know the more motivated and better I become at reaching my goals and seeing what my dreams and aspirations evolve to.

And of course, art inspires me. So much of it takes my breath way — the beautiful, the shocking, the heartbreaking, the real and surreal. Each art form has its personal place, influence and effect on me, as well as on my creations.

Q: What does living the photo artistic life mean to you?

Soumaya: Living the photo artistic life is the newest addition to my lifestyle. I love to create, transform, and implement things in unique ways. I cherish creating: in obvious and not so obvious ways. In truth, I feel I live my life through my art.

I sometimes think that photo art was invented for me. I also think that being part of the Photoshop Grunge and AWAKE courses with Sebastian Michaels was all part of my destiny. Crazy, but can not imagine my life without them!

The potential and possibilities available working in photo art are beyond the infinite. It is limitless and without boudoirs. A bottomless well of opportunities.

I have said this before : “Photo art has become my second home and place of inspiration for my mind and soul”

Q: Your style is so distinctive, and surely that derives in part from your process … How would you describe your approach to creating your art work?

Soumaya: Most of my work starts with an idea. I proceed to map it out, sketch it, and start gathering all elements and supplies to be used for the project. I do work in many mediums, not just in photo artistry (for example, I also work with sculpture, encaustic, painting, ceramics, glass, silk printing, furniture design and building …) I like change, I don’t like to work the same things too long. Even if some of my pieces look similar, none of them was made following any formula, and I feel each piece is totally different.

I do need structure in my work, and sometimes wish I was able to approach it less rigidly, but whenever I try the random approach, I find myself going in circles and wasting time.

Things that are most important to me in my work would be a solid idea (design), attention to detail, and of course a great final presentation.

My best work has been the result of prepping thoroughly and finding a time window with no interruptions. This is very important.

I am incredibly protective of my time to create. And it drives everyone crazy when I don’t go to events or communicate more … but I don’t apologize for that. I can be very selfish that way.

Q: What great lesson or lessons have you learned in your pursuit of photo artistry?

The biggest take-away of my artistic journeys is that I learned to be me, for me and no one else. I know what I like and what drives me, and I follow my instincts and ideas headlong, without hesitation.

All the same, I think I’ve also learned to accept compliments and use them to boost my confidence. I know that there is room for anyone who wants to be heard.

Most of all, I’ve learned that if you create from within — truly from within — you’ll have a voice like no other.

Soumaya Schnur divides her time between Los Angeles and Morocco. Her online portfolio is being developed now but will be ready soon!