In another class, on image-making, we were to create 10 more images again using different materials, but this time of an animal. I decided it was time to let loose and be silly in my process trying things that I don't normally do - some of the results are not good, but some are quite fun and even beautiful. 

Tahira Nusrat Karim
​Tauska

I have recently begun to take a couple of graphic design courses online through CAL ARTS. Last week one of our assignments for the fundamentals class was to choose an object - not too simple - and create around 10 images of that object using different materials and styles. In addition we were to create a few images that would tell the viewers more than this is an image of more than just that object - by putting other symbols into the image. For example putting a apple with a bite taken out of it on a rectangle might signify Apple the company.

I chose an egg as my object - which yes, is too simple - but actually more complex thus. How? Well... because how do you make something that is that simple more complex. 

Tahira Nusrat Karim
​Tauska

So I just realized that I absolutely love learning and that I want to go do my MFA and then perhaps another later on and then also sometime way down the line also my PHD. I am most definitely cut out to be an academic - I absolutely love continuous learning, research, working on my own art, but also love the intellectual discussions about my areas of interest with like-minded persons, and teaching; so it all fits together :) It's a long long road but then I'm all about the meandering journey like a long river that stretches across a vast land. 

And so far my journey also seems to be leading towards a career in academic teaching - meandering a bit - but going that route with; my BFA in animation and media studies, a BEd in middle years education, experiences in teaching grades one through to eleven, continued courses in painting, print, and perfumerie, a short professorship teaching animation and graphic design at the School of Fine Arts in Cusco, Peru, etc.  

So now it's all about deciding what MFA would be good for me, and where to do it - I definitely will choose a warm place with ocean access so that I can also breathe and chill the way I need and enjoy best. So perhaps California, or perhaps France or Portugal, or maybe, just maybe London. The next few months will be spent figuring this out, and then visiting the top couple choices to make the right choice - for other than taking into account the professors with whom one works, and the opportunities that a school may provide for or allow, are taking into account the opportunities of the city, and its artistic resources in regard to museums, galleries, and libraries, it job opportunities, the weather or climate if that affect you, and of course the overall vibe of the city - for that is often where one will start to make even more contacts. 

Anyhow here is to figuring out purpose, passion, and pursuit! 

Tahira Nusrat Karim
​Tauska

​While I was in Peru attending the school of Bellas Artes (Fine Arts) in Cusco, both as professor and as student, I was very blessed to have worked with an amazing faculty and groups of students. 

The school’s administration, my mentors, other professors, and peers were welcoming, and ready to share their experiences and learning. In turn they were very open to me sharing of my knowledge and experiences within my domains of learning with all of them. 

I want to take this post to give an special shout out to the director of the school, LIC Carlos Hugo Aguilar Carrasco, the academic director, LIC Luis Abdon Perez Perez, the director of the faculty of art, Yohn A Lasteros Hogaldo, for their incredible support, and also giving me a chance to prove my abilities, and my mentors and wonderful professors namely - Juan Challco, Richard Peralta, Marcial Quispe Quispe, Irwin Antonio Ferandiz Castro, Ronal Mamani, and Victor Zuniga for sharing their expertise, and in mentoring me to produce higher quality works. 

My students, although I will not name names here, did a wonderful job in keeping a positive attitude through the courses, in producing some excellent and interesting work, and in also sharing of their knowledge and experiences in regard to their art and lives. 

To all of those, named and not, of whom I came into contact with at this wonderful arts institutions, once again, I Thank you!! 

Tahira Nusrat Karim
​Tauska

This has been quite the year for learning and growing and because its always good to reflect, I am going to list what I've learned and done over the year - what I've pushed for and what I've accomplished - this way I know what I am capable off, good for someone like me who often forgets especially when bogged down, or dealing with depressive weather. 
August 2015 - August 2016

1. Taught university courses in another language - Spanish 
2. Devised and created curriculum 
3. Headed a project with an NGO 
4. Helped to edit a cook book 
5. Created 25 mid to large sized oil paintings 
6. Researched the lives, techniques, and styles of many artists 
7. Lived and worked in another country 
8. Gotten my driver's licence 
9. Painted a couple of smaller murals 
10. Taken university courses in advanced anatomy and art history in Spanish 
11. Changed a diaper 
12. Packed and transported paintings over continents 
13. Cooked for larger groups of people 
14. Translated papers and recipes from English to Spanish 
15. Written and illustrated a book 
16. Gotten packages ready for publishers (have been kindly declined twice already - with recommendations to keep writing and sending out :) 
17. Further developed my painting techniques 
18. Consulted on interior design work 
19. Participated in Karaoke - one of my greatest fears 
20. Given a few seminars to mid to large groups 

So far, so good.

​Now, its about working to live and also keeping the art up - at least for a couple of years until I can further break into the arts and let it take on more time 

Tahira Nusrat Karim
​Tauska