Art has a unique ability to transcend language, evoke emotion, and bring people together across cultural divides.

This idea is embodied in the work of Samra Bashir, whose glass paintings celebrate the rich traditions of South Asian and Islamic art while inviting a broader audience into their intricate beauty.

Samra’s journey as an artist began as a personal escape—something she turned to during challenging times. But over the years, her work evolved into something much larger. Through her use of glass paint and light, she has built not just an art practice, but also a powerful means of storytelling, connection, and cultural education.

In this episode of The Art Biz, host Alyson Stanfield talks with Samra about:

• How her creative journey started and what led her to glass painting.
• The role of light in her work and why it’s an essential element.
• How she uses art to foster community and bridge cultural gaps.
• The importance of stepping out from behind the screen and sharing art in real-life spaces.

Samra’s story is a reminder that art doesn’t just exist in isolation—it thrives in conversation, connection, and shared experiences.

01:50 Samra's Early Inspirations 02:28 Reviving Her Art in the U.S.04:05 Samra’s Cultural Heritage and How It Shows Up in Her Work 08:42 Building an Audience and Overcoming Challenges11:37 Balancing Multiple Roles and Art 18:47 The Importance of Community and Teaching Workshops22:43 Connecting Through Art and Overcoming Barriers 26:08 Practical Tips for Artists to Engage with Community 36:50 Conclusion and Practical Applications for You

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

Lessons from a Wildly Successful Pop-up Art Gallery Event with Mai Wyn Schantz (109)

Leaning Into Her Roots and Community Art with Marilyn Fontaine (185)

Beyond Comparison and Jealousy with Jason Kotecki (191)

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/bashir-community

⭐️ Connect with Samra and see more of her art: SamraBashir.com

🔶 Does your art business need a boost or a refresh? Please see my comprehensive art-marketing program, Essentials for Artist Success 🔶  full of tools, strategies, and process you need to establish your professionalism and increase your visibility. For those with beginning and emerging art careers and those who need to approach their business with more thought and intention.

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here’s how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/