Our Artists stories
Alison Lewis - “I have a full-time job and I enjoyed creating paintings in my spare time as a way to relax, and my friends loved what I was painting and to my delight they wanted to buy my paintings so I started to produce them for sale, then it progressed to receiving referrals’ from my friends to their family and colleagues. This was a great news and in April 2023 I started to sell through local fairs and online marketplaces which was exciting. In September 2023 I realised it was no longer a hobby and I could create a real business, so I started to look for someone suitable to come and work for me to be able to meet the increase demands for my paintings. I set up Master Inspired Artwork in May 2024.
I like to travel and on one of my recent holidays to Zanzibar I was introduced to Idarous in January 2024. He is an exceptional artist, top of his profession and I was really impressed with his work and he agreed to paint a very special portrait of my late mother and I, which was a favourite photograph of us together for one of my birthdays, (this can be seen on the front page of the website) I was overwhelmed how exceptional and realistic it was when he presented it to me after 2 weeks. When I returned and showed my friends and family they loved it as much as I did and they asked if he could paint portraits for them, so I commissioned him and collected them in person in April 2024, they were really happy with them so I seen this as an opportunity to add this to my portfolio for sale. I also started to get referrals from my friends to their family and colleagues, and started a waiting list of customers wanting his work.
I asked him if he would come and work for me and help me expand my business to offer his paintings, which he agreed too. He will work out of his workshop in Zanzibar until we complete the immigration process for him to relocate to Cardiff, UK in 2025. We are really enjoying working together he brings with him so much knowledge, different perspectives, a unique cultural background and over 30+ years experience, together we are growing my business to offer a unique experience exceptional quality artwork and I am glad I can now give my customers the ability to order these on line”.
Idarous Nassor Idarous - “I met Alison in January 2024 and took her to my workplace in Soko Muhogo Street. I loved showing her all of my paintings and could see she had a real passion for all of them. I was delighted when she asked me to paint a very special painting which I was very privileged to paint of her with her late mother. When I revealed her portrait she was so overwhelmed with emotion, and that is what I love about my paintings they can really touch you, I paint realistic artwork, ensuring every detail is captured. When Alison asked me if I would do more work for her, I didn’t hesitate in saying yes and was very thankful to her giving me the chance. Then in April 2024 she asked me if would work for her company. I couldn’t miss such an opportunity and I agreed to secure employment with Alison and help grow her business and hope to relocate to Cardiff, UK in 2025.”
