Naya's journey with art didn’t begin in a studio or with a grand plan, it started in a classroom, during a moment of distraction that felt more like instinct. From there, art became less of a choice and more of a need. Her work today blends memory, nature, and emotion in ways that feel both soft and powerful, always inviting a closer look.
At drawdeck, she brings that same approach to everything she touches. Her process is intuitive and layered, shaped by the places she has lived and the artists who first made her feel something. You can see it in the details, feel it in the mood. Naya’s pieces are not meant to shout. They are meant to stay.
I remember being in school, lost in thought during a math class, when I started sketching a portrait of a girl from my imagination on the back of my notebook. It wasn’t planned—it just flowed out of me. When I looked at what I’d drawn, something clicked. It felt natural, fulfilling, and oddly powerful. That simple moment made me realize that creating art was more than just a hobby—it was something I needed to pursue.
Early on, I was deeply influenced by the raw emotion and striking lines of Egon Schiele, the intricate elegance of Gustav Klimt, and the bold narratives of Akram Fadl. Their works taught me how vulnerability, detail, and cultural storytelling can coexist on a single canvas. Lately, I find myself inspired by artists like Soey Milk, whose pieces feel both intimate and otherworldly. But above all, nature continues to be my greatest muse—it offers endless textures, moods, and metaphors that constantly find their way into my work.
a piazza, sipping wine, or simply observing the world go by at sunset, it’s a beautiful reminder to slow down. Even now, back in the hustle and bustle of Dubai, I struggle to incorporate this into my own life, but I’ve come to realize how important it is to take a step back and just be, instead of constantly being on the go.
My work often drifts into a dreamy, introspective space where nature plays a central role. I’m fascinated by the idea of harmony within chaos—the way wild elements still hold a quiet balance. There’s also a subtle wittiness I find in nature’s patterns, a kind of poetic order that sparks my imagination. And then there are memories—fleeting, layered, and emotional—that always seem to thread themselves through, whether consciously or not.
I hope they experience a moment of serenity—a quiet pause from the noise of everyday life. And more than that, I hope it stirs something personal, inviting them into a space of self-reflection where they can connect with their own thoughts, memories, or emotions in an unexpected way
I was born and raised in Syria, then moved to Egypt at 16—and both places have left deep marks on my creative identity. Syria shaped my sensitivity to color; the landscapes, textures, and nature scenes I grew up with still echo in my palette. Egypt, on the other hand, shaped my life experiences. It’s where I matured, faced challenges, and learned to see the world differently. All of these personal layers—memories, places, transitions—naturally find their way into my work.
One deeply personal piece I created is titled Haven. It was born shortly after I set up my own artstudio—my first real space dedicated entirely to my creativity. That feeling of finally having aphysical place to be alone with my thoughts, to create without distractions, was incrediblygrounding. Haven became a tribute to that freedom—a visual diary of what it felt like to be in aspace that nurtured my process and gave me room to just be.
For brands: It’s crucial to find an art consultant that will truly capture and understand your space, reflect its values, atmosphere, and culture you want to communicate.
When I feel stuck, I don’t force it. I head to my studio, make a cup of coffee, put on some music, and just exist in that space for a while. Sometimes I’ll flip through art books or revisit work that inspires me. Being in that environment—with no pressure, just presence—usually helps the spark find its way back
It all started with a curiosity about backgrounds—how to fill the space behind my portraits in ways that felt meaningful and fresh. That constant problem-solving led me toward abstraction and opened up a whole new visual language for me. Over time, I began exploring different mediums, allowing the process itself to guide me. Experimentation keeps my work evolving; I’m always chasing new textures, forms, and techniques that challenge and expand my voice.
It felt like the perfect match for me—bringing together my background, studies, and experiencein a way that allows me to explore art beyond the canvas. I’m drawn to the freedom ofexperimenting with different materials and artistic directions, while also understanding how artcan live within and elevate different spaces. It’s a space where creativity meets purpose, andthat really resonated with me.
The way she uses color is a reflection of deep emotion and energy, which resonates with me. Her abstract approach to art allows for personal interpretation.
Definitely a feel-it-out kind of artist. I rely on intuition and emotion to guide the process, letting the piece unfold naturally rather than sticking to a rigid plan. For me, that spontaneity is where the real magic happens.
My art is rooted in personal human experience—it’s driven by real emotions, memories, and the nuances of lived moments. It goes beyond just visual appeal; there’s a deeper narrative woven through each piece, often felt more than seen. That emotional layer, that very human touch, is what keeps my work grounded in something uniquely my own.
Meet the Team: Naya
Naya's journey with art didn’t begin in a studio or with a grand plan, it started in a classroom, during a moment of distraction that felt more like instinct. From there, art became less of a choice and more of a need. Her work today blends memory, nature, and emotion in ways that feel both soft and powerful, always inviting a closer look.
At drawdeck, she brings that same approach to everything she touches. Her process is intuitive and layered, shaped by the places she has lived and the artists who first made her feel something. You can see it in the details, feel it in the mood. Naya’s pieces are not meant to shout. They are meant to stay.
1. Let’s go back to the start! What’s your earliest memory of creating something that made you feel like, ‘This is what I want to do’?
I remember being in school, lost in thought during a math class, when I started sketching a portrait of a girl from my imagination on the back of my notebook. It wasn’t planned—it just flowed out of me. When I looked at what I’d drawn, something clicked. It felt natural, fulfilling, and oddly powerful. That simple moment made me realize that creating art was more than just a hobby—it was something I needed to pursue.
2. Who are some artists, designers, or creatives that shaped your style early on, and who’s inspiring you right now?
Early on, I was deeply influenced by the raw emotion and striking lines of Egon Schiele, the intricate elegance of Gustav Klimt, and the bold narratives of Akram Fadl. Their works taught me how vulnerability, detail, and cultural storytelling can coexist on a single canvas. Lately, I find myself inspired by artists like Soey Milk, whose pieces feel both intimate and otherworldly. But above all, nature continues to be my greatest muse—it offers endless textures, moods, and metaphors that constantly find their way into my work.
a piazza, sipping wine, or simply observing the world go by at sunset, it’s a beautiful reminder to slow down. Even now, back in the hustle and bustle of Dubai, I struggle to incorporate this into my own life, but I’ve come to realize how important it is to take a step back and just be, instead of constantly being on the go.
3. What are some themes, emotions, or messages that naturally find their way into everything you make?
My work often drifts into a dreamy, introspective space where nature plays a central role. I’m fascinated by the idea of harmony within chaos—the way wild elements still hold a quiet balance. There’s also a subtle wittiness I find in nature’s patterns, a kind of poetic order that sparks my imagination. And then there are memories—fleeting, layered, and emotional—that always seem to thread themselves through, whether consciously or not.
4. When someone sees a piece of yours, what do you hope they feel or think?
I hope they experience a moment of serenity—a quiet pause from the noise of everyday life. And more than that, I hope it stirs something personal, inviting them into a space of self-reflection where they can connect with their own thoughts, memories, or emotions in an unexpected way
5. How does your culture or background influence your creativity, if at all?
I was born and raised in Syria, then moved to Egypt at 16—and both places have left deep marks on my creative identity. Syria shaped my sensitivity to color; the landscapes, textures, and nature scenes I grew up with still echo in my palette. Egypt, on the other hand, shaped my life experiences. It’s where I matured, faced challenges, and learned to see the world differently. All of these personal layers—memories, places, transitions—naturally find their way into my work.
6. Tell us about a piece you made that felt personal. What was the story behind it?
One deeply personal piece I created is titled Haven. It was born shortly after I set up my own artstudio—my first real space dedicated entirely to my creativity. That feeling of finally having aphysical place to be alone with my thoughts, to create without distractions, was incrediblygrounding. Haven became a tribute to that freedom—a visual diary of what it felt like to be in aspace that nurtured my process and gave me room to just be.
For brands: It’s crucial to find an art consultant that will truly capture and understand your space, reflect its values, atmosphere, and culture you want to communicate.
7. What’s a creative habit or ritual that keeps you grounded when you’re feeling stuck?
When I feel stuck, I don’t force it. I head to my studio, make a cup of coffee, put on some music, and just exist in that space for a while. Sometimes I’ll flip through art books or revisit work that inspires me. Being in that environment—with no pressure, just presence—usually helps the spark find its way back
8. You’ve got a unique visual voice. How did you develop that—and how do you keep evolving it?
It all started with a curiosity about backgrounds—how to fill the space behind my portraits in ways that felt meaningful and fresh. That constant problem-solving led me toward abstraction and opened up a whole new visual language for me. Over time, I began exploring different mediums, allowing the process itself to guide me. Experimentation keeps my work evolving; I’m always chasing new textures, forms, and techniques that challenge and expand my voice.
9. You’ve recently joined drawdeck, what drew you to this role?
It felt like the perfect match for me—bringing together my background, studies, and experiencein a way that allows me to explore art beyond the canvas. I’m drawn to the freedom ofexperimenting with different materials and artistic directions, while also understanding how artcan live within and elevate different spaces. It’s a space where creativity meets purpose, andthat really resonated with me.
The way she uses color is a reflection of deep emotion and energy, which resonates with me. Her abstract approach to art allows for personal interpretation.
10. Do you consider yourself more of a planner or a feel-it-out kind of artist?
Definitely a feel-it-out kind of artist. I rely on intuition and emotion to guide the process, letting the piece unfold naturally rather than sticking to a rigid plan. For me, that spontaneity is where the real magic happens.
11. In a world full of AI art and never-ending trends, what makes your art distinctly you?
My art is rooted in personal human experience—it’s driven by real emotions, memories, and the nuances of lived moments. It goes beyond just visual appeal; there’s a deeper narrative woven through each piece, often felt more than seen. That emotional layer, that very human touch, is what keeps my work grounded in something uniquely my own.