Inside Matina Shakir’s Creative Space Where Every Object Tells a Story
Matina Shakir is a multidisciplinary artist and interior designer whose work blends the vibrant richness of Indian culture, the eclectic spirit of bohemian design, and the timeless beauty of nature. Guided by Islamic principles of peace, balance and harmony, her practice emphasises sustainability, storytelling, deep reflection and soulful connection. Through thoughtfully layered textures, intricate patterns, and the use of up-cycled materials, Matina creates art and interiors that speak to the soul, celebrating individuality, creativity, and sustainability.
And guess what? Matina Shakir is one of the featured artists in our Studio Visit Book Vol 5, alongside many talented artists from around the world. Want a sneak peek? Grab your copy now from our shop and enjoy the fantastic artwork created by this global community.
https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book
In this week’s studio visit interview, artist and interior designer Matina Shakir invites us into her creative space — a place filled with texture, emotion, and quiet beauty. She shares what her days in the studio look like, what inspires her, and how she creates art that feels personal and soulful. We learn about her love for natural materials, the stories behind her work, and how she crafts each piece with care and precision. She usually works alone, but the space feels full — with energy, with intention, and with the calming scent of drying texture paste, old wood, and paint. It’s a glimpse into a space that’s just as thoughtful and layered as the art she makes.
1. Can you describe your typical studio day and creative process?
My creative process is deeply intuitive and layered, often beginning with a feeling rather than a clear concept. I’m not someone who sketches things out in advance or plans every detail — instead, I gather materials that speak to me in the moment: aged textiles, natural textures, found objects, colours that evoke memory or mood. From there, I start building. I move elements around, layer them, remove them, and re-layer, letting the work unfold gradually. There’s a lot of quiet listening involved — to the materials, to the energy of the piece, to whatever wants to come through. It’s a meditative rhythm of responding rather than directing. Although I am a perfectionist when it comes to the outcome, I embrace irregularity, contrast, and the tension between rough and soft, as well as bold and subtle. The process becomes a conversation with memory, with the materials, and with the unseen. It often feels like I’m uncovering something rather than creating it from scratch. Ultimately, my goal is to create something that feels grounded, honest, and emotionally resonant.
2. What is the primary inspiration behind your current body of work?
The inspiration behind my work is rooted in the quiet, often overlooked details of life — worn textures, natural forms, cultural memories, and emotional atmospheres. I’m deeply moved by things that carry a sense of time and presence — materials that feel lived-in, details that are often overlooked but hold a quiet kind of beauty. I’m especially drawn to the idea that imperfection can be meaningful — that flaws, layers, and history make things more human, more alive. My process is intuitive, mainly; I often begin with a feeling or a fragment, and let the materials guide me from there. Whether I’m working with textiles, paint, or found elements, I aim to create work that feels grounded and emotionally resonant — something that invites stillness, reflection, and a deeper connection to the world around us.
3. Do you have any studio assistants, or do visitors, such as pets or children, often accompany you?
No.
4. How would you describe a dream studio for yourself?
I already have a well-designed, organised studio — a space that supports my creative flow, with designated areas for materials, tools, and works in progress. It’s a space I’ve poured love into, and it reflects the way I work: layered, intentional, and intensely tactile. But if I could dream even bigger, I’d place that studio in the heart of nature — maybe nestled in the hills, surrounded by the trees, or perhaps the view and the sound of the sea not too far off. A space where the view itself inspires, where the air feels alive with creativity. I imagine large windows open to the breeze, soft natural light pouring in, and the rhythm of nature setting the pace for my process. That connection — to earth, to quiet, to something bigger than myself — is where so much of my inspiration comes from. So my dream studio isn’t just about structure or design. It’s about energy, freedom, and being surrounded by beauty that speaks to the soul.
5. What does your studio smell of right now?
Currently, my studio is filled with the earthy scent of texture paste drying, slightly chalky and grounding. There’s a hint of acrylic paint in the air, mixed with the subtle sharpness of old wood and paper from the found objects I’ve been working with. It’s a blend of materials in conversation — a little raw, a little nostalgic. It’s that messy, creative kind of scent that somehow feels right when I’m in the flow.
6. If you could set up your studio anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If I could set up my studio anywhere, it would be somewhere tucked away in the hills along the Italian coast — maybe a little cottage overlooking the sea, with wildflowers growing outside and old stone walls that hold stories. Somewhere where inspiration is woven into the landscape — in the colours of the sky, the texture of old buildings, the quiet rhythm of everyday life. I imagine mornings filled with soft light, the scent of salt in the air, and time moving slowly enough to notice everything. It would be a place where nature, history, and art coexist — the perfect setting to create work that feels soulful, grounded, and intensely alive.
7. Can you discuss any ongoing projects or plans for your work?
Lately, I’ve been feeling drawn to create pieces that carry deeper meaning — work that invites reflection and feels more emotionally charged and intentional. I’m exploring new materials and ideas that let me dig a little deeper, both personally and creatively. As an interior designer, I’m also in the early stages of developing my home decor line — a blend of my love for handcrafted details with soulful, functional design. It’s a dream to create pieces that people can live with every day — objects that bring warmth, character, and a sense of story into their spaces.
8. How do you organise your space?
I like to keep my studio organised in a way that feels both functional and inspiring. Materials are sorted and easy to access, but I keep them visible — I find that having colours, textures, and tools within view sparks ideas and helps me stay connected to the creative process. There’s something about seeing everything laid out — fabrics, found objects, paints — that invites spontaneity and flow. It’s not about being perfectly tidy, but about creating a space where creativity feels natural and supported. Everything has a place, but nothing feels too precious — it’s a working studio, full of movement, mess, and moments of inspiration waiting to happen.
9. What is your favourite corner in the studio?
Honestly, I don’t have just one favourite corner — it really depends on the day and the project. Some days, I’m standing at the large island with everything spread out around me, completely in the zone. On other days, I’m at the drawing board or easel, working through details with greater focus. And sometimes, the floor becomes my workspace — I’ll sit cross-legged, surrounded by textures and materials, letting the piece unfold at ground level. I love that my studio allows for that kind of movement. It keeps the process dynamic and lets me respond to the work in a way that feels natural and intuitive. Every corner serves a different mood, and that’s what makes the space come alive for me.
Matina Shakir’s studio feels warm, calm, and full of heart. It’s a cosy space filled with old fabrics, natural materials, and little things that tell quiet stories. Everything is thoughtfully placed, but nothing feels too perfect — it’s a space where you can relax and create. The smell is a mix of drying art paste, old wood, and paper, giving it a comforting, earthy scent. It’s the kind of place where time seems to move more slowly, and ideas can come to life naturally. Visit our website to explore the virtual studio spaces of other artists. To get featured on our website, don’t forget to apply for this month’s call for art.
Read more about Matina Shakir on her Website and Instagram.
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