Painted Thoughts: Enabling young artists
Painted Thoughts, founded in 2017 by Samiha Tahsin, is an online platform that promotes creative work by young artists. Samiha is currently studying Computer Science and Engineering at BRAC University. She started her journey with Painted Thoughts shortly after completing her A-Level examinations. She has been an ardent artist since a young age. "My main breakthrough was when I worked with Nerd Community's Tech Club for creating my page's website," she shared. Her peers were very supportive of her work. "They started motivating me and also bought some of my previous paintings," she added.
In August 2017, Samiha opened a Facebook page and posted some pictures of her paintings. Painted Thoughts is her first entrepreneurial project, where she looks forward to helping young artists connect with their potential customers. As a moderator, she gains a five percent commission from each sold painting. One of her bestseller items is a framed painting of Ayatul Kursi, with the English translation. The piece is intricately bordered by colourful flowers and a bright frame, giving it a vibrant floral touch. "It was a major gifting choice during Ramadan and we had to make it in large numbers due to popular demand," said Samiha. Their paintings of motivational quotes created are also very popular. Team Painted Thoughts currently consists of four other young female artists who often work at Samiha's office in Banani. The artists are: Maisha Noor, Adiba Jamal Esa, Sadia Shams and Nadia Shams.
"Whenever I feel low, I start playing with my paints. It is therapeutic and a mood-lifter," Samiha shared. Some of her most noteworthy paintings were created during nights. One of them is a painting of a dark night amidst mountains while another is a rainy scene focusing on a couple walking under an umbrella.
As the artists are confined to their homes during the pandemic, they have turned to painting as a coping mechanism. "Since there is no work outside, I'm devoting more time towards painting and being with my child. It gives me a nice break from all the daily chores," said Adiba, a part-time lecturer at Stamford University and a gold medalist from Charukola.
Initially, the team was doubtful about taking orders but painting requests kept pouring in, and they decided to start deliveries. They wrap the paintings in layers with plastic and paper. The outer layer is disposable and can be disinfected easily. "We also ensure that our delivery agents are wearing masks and gloves while working. Payments are made digitally," Samiha shared.
Painted Thoughts intends to introduce a campaign involving donations from customers. "I am personally donating ten percent of my earnings. These are tough times and we all need to support each other," concluded Samiha.
Comments