Ranaa Farooq: Embracing the Art of Self-Discovery
Can you tell me a little about your background and what inspired you to be an artist?
Growing up, I always loved art. One of my earliest memories is being completely in love with creating—scribbling, drawing, and colouring. When I was 7 or 8, we were asked to draw what we wanted to be when we grew up, and I confidently drew myself at an easel as an artist. I just knew that’s what I wanted to do. I took art for GCSE and really loved it, but I also loved science.
Coming from a Pakistani background, there was a cultural expectation that if you were good at science, you would pursue it—becoming a doctor or an engineer. So, I chose medicine, became a GP, and enjoyed many aspects of it. I’m grateful for the difference I made in my patients’ lives, but deep down, I always felt something was missing—a sense of unfulfillment I couldn’t quite explain.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, my GP sessions reduced, and I took the chance to reassess my life. I started meditating, journaling, walking in nature, and reflecting - things I’d never really done before. Through this process, I realised I needed to reconnect with art, not as a career but just to bring back the joy I’d felt as a child. As soon as I started painting, I fell in love with it again.
In 2021, I went to Art in the Gardens, which is an annual fair in the Botanical Gardens. A few of the abstract paintings there really spoke to me, and I knew this was what I needed to explore. I found a six-week online course, started painting more intentionally, and realized I could turn this passion into a career.
As my confidence in the work increased, I started to enter art competitions, and even won a few local ones—almost like a sign from the universe to keep going. I began selling my work, found a studio, and things just grew from there.
This journey from medicine to art taught me so much about myself, particularly how my beliefs had shaped my life choices. I became fascinated by how our minds influence our paths. I took a life coaching course, initially for my own growth, but soon realised how much it could help others. Now, alongside being an artist, I’m also a life coach, helping people who feel stuck to find their purpose and realign their lives.
Were there any moments during your time as a GP that sparked your interest in creativity? What pushed you to make that change?
I don’t think there is anything specific, but having been a GP has defined my perspective on life in a way that I am very grateful for. I saw the full spectrum of life—from birth to death—on a daily basis. Witnessing how fragile life can be, and how unexpected things happen all the time, deeply affected me. It often made me reflect on my own life throughout my career.
When the pandemic hit, those reflections became much more serious. That’s when I really started to assess my own life and the direction I was going in. That unique perspective, shaped by my experience as a GP, has been invaluable.
Which artists or art movements have had the greatest impact on your style?
My work is obviously quite abstract, so I do really connect with the abstract expressionist movement that began in New York in the last century. Artists like Joan Mitchell and Jackson Pollock are particularly inspiring to me. I admire how they were able to tap into something subconscious, creating art that feels deeply connected to an internal, almost instinctual voice. In my own work, I aim to do the same – connect with my subconscious and tuning into that inner voice we all have. My goal is to go deeper, to be present, and to allow what’s flowing through me to emerge naturally onto the canvas.
How would you describe your creative process from the initial idea to the finished piece?
Every artist works differently. Some have a clear, focused idea and do extensive research, but for me, the process is very internal—about exploring my inner space. That said, I do have a process to get into the right creative energy.
It begins with the walk from my house to the studio, which is about half an hour. I try to make it a mindful walk, noticing what’s around me and consciously shutting off from everyday worries. When I arrive at the studio, I might do a short meditation or a few minutes of breathwork to settle into a creative frame of mind.
I also use affirmations to ground myself, saying things like, “I am able to connect with the canvas powerfully,” “I express myself visually in a way that connects with others,” and “My art has value.” These really help me focus and get into the right mindset.
I’d say music is another key part of my process - it helps me tap into that flow state. While it’s not always easy to get into that creative flow, these steps do tend to make it much more likely and allow me to fully connect with my work.
Ranaa’s studio
How would you personally describe your artistic style or voice?
I’d describe the creative process as quite meditative. It’s not a conscious process of thinking, “I need to do this or that.” Instead, it’s about quieting the conscious voice, going within, trusting the process, letting go of expectations, and releasing judgment. When I do that, I can create something that truly resonates and speaks to me. Those feelings of awe, wonder, and mystery are key.
And, how do you know when a painting is finished?
Just that state of awe - when the painting seems to come alive and speak to me. There’s a sense of wonder and mystery that tells me it’s complete. It's easy to try and let my mind take over quite often and think, “Oh, I don’t think it's done, I need to add more”, but every time I have to just, again, delve within – into my heart or my gut, and just connect with the painting and let it speak to me.
I might sound a bit crazy, but there’s definitely a two-way communication between myself and the painting. Often, it tells me when it’s complete. That said, there are times when I leave a piece for a few months and come back to it, realizing it needs extra work. Ultimately, it’s all about feeling.
So, how do you hope people feel when then see your work?
I don’t particularly have an expectation of what the viewer will feel, I'm very happy for anybody to interpret the painting in their own way. I love that people tend to see cosmic galaxies, bodies of water, or forests in the work. I hope my paintings can make somebody pause for a few moments and reflect on how the work makes them feel.
Has your journey as a life coach influence your growth as an artist? Does your art inspire or reflect the messages you share in any way?
Well, my journey as an artist isn’t just about creating art—it’s also about the process of becoming who I really am. Similarly, life coaching is about self-awareness and understanding one’s perspective on life. Coaching and painting inform each other, as delving into myself and helping clients with their challenges gives me new insights and helps me grow both as a person and an artist.
Through life coaching, I’ve come to realize how powerful the mind is, especially the mind-body connection and how our thoughts can influence our health. This is an area I hope to explore further, which interestingly brings me back to health but in a completely different way. I wouldn’t have made the leap from GP to life coach or artist without first exploring my own beliefs and doing that self-reflective work.
Are there any upcoming projects or art pieces that you are working on?
Recently, I’ve felt a strong desire to push my practice further. While many people see galaxies in my paintings—which I love—that isn’t intentional. Lately, I’ve been questioning whether I’ve placed a subconscious expectation on my work to look a certain way. I’m now focusing on how to channel raw energy onto the canvas. In the process, I’ve been experimenting with different ways of mark-making. It’s exciting and playful, and I think that’s the best mindset for any creative process. As for projects, I have a few group exhibitions coming up next year in Sheffield, Leeds and possibly one in Athens! It’s an exciting time!
