The artist’s spark: ignited by Arctic shorelines
Many people dream of the trip Sehrish’s family took that day. Her family set off to Tuk (Tuktoyaktuk) to meet the Arctic Ocean. The experience sparked an idea in her mind. With the kids happily babbling in the back seat and her husband by her side, the adventure became the inspiration for "The Ocean's Touch," earning her a top spot in Northwestel's 45th annual Northwest Territories Directory Art Contest.
Since she was a young girl living in Pakistan, Sehrish has been creating art with each piece “reflecting some part of myself,” she explains.
At 16, she travelled as an exchange student to the USA, where her host mother’s artistic abilities captivated her. Art sparked a deep connection between the two and fueled Sehrish’ passion. Her host mother introduced her many different mediums, her favourite being textiles. She created her first quilt under host mother’s instruction.
Her friends quickly took notice of Sehrish’s artistic talent and would ask for help with their art homework. Sehrish didn’t mind, she embraced it with a smile. But year's later, when she entered motherhood, art took the backseat. Even still, Sehrish continues to find ways to drive her creativity, like helping her children design and decorate their bedroom, where her winning digital print will proudly hang.
"The Ocean's Touch" - 720 x 542px digital watercolour
The journey to the finished piece involved memorable steps, with one vivid memory standing out: the shoreline scene from that unforgettable day, sitting at the top of the world in Tuk.
"I think visiting the Arctic Ocean was like a dream that we had not even dreamt of,” she recalls. “It’s like we stole the idea off someone else’s bucket list. We didn’t know how special it would be for us.”
Sehrish remembers the bright and saturated colours, the absolute delight radiating from her daughter’s Ysabel and Ayleen, and their curiosity as they spent the day beachcombing. Inspiration came from a collection of pebbles and stones the girls gathered, shades of blues highlighted by the warm sun. Sehrish took home her idea, sketched it out, digitized it, and then meticulously manipulated it until she was satisfied with the look.
Sehrish is new to the North, moving from Ontario in May of 2023. Despite the typical stressors of moving, her family quickly grew fond of Inuvik and has already begun to feel a deep sense of community. Viewing everything from a fresh perspective, she finds her new surroundings inspiring.
Sehrish standing in front of the Inuvik Welcome Centre.
Drawn to textile art and captivated by bold shapes, bright colours and intricate patterns, Sehrish finds her inspiration gravitating from African Folk Art aesthetics and its formal elements. She has always been an art consumer, inspired by the art her eyes explore. The Directory Art Contest presented an opportunity to take on a more active role in her creative life. “The Ocean’s Touch” stands as a personal triumph for Sehrish and showcases the dedication poured into this winning artwork.
Sehrish with her daughters Ysabel (9 years) and Ayleen (8 years)
For Sehrish, The Directory Art Contest has elevated her art to a new level, allowing her share her talent with the world. And it only took a few fleeting minutes for the news of winning the contest to sink in, about as long as it took to call her sister in Pakistan. Sehrish could not contain her excitement of sharing the northern secret, knowing the news must remain under wraps until the directories are released in the spring. Until then, Sehrish and her daughters will continue designing their unique bedroom with the “The Ocean’s Touch” serving as their muse.
As the winner of the directory art contest, Sehrish Khan receives a $5,000 prize from Northwestel.
For 45 years, Northwestel has published rich northern art on the covers of our directories. The land we live in inspires all of us in different ways. From touching family traditions to realistic recreations of arctic landscapes, we admire and celebrate the creativity of those who make up our North.
Thinking about submitting your artwork for next year's Directory Art Contest? Visit our Directory art page and keep an eye out for the 2025 contest, opening in September.
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