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About

The bit about me.

I love to create things. Whether designing installation art, coaxing clay into functional pottery or shooting street life in Florence, I bring unwavering commitment to doing the very best I can. I never stop learning, I never stop growing, I never stop trying – I just never stop.

I’m one of those lucky folks who loves their job. My images have appeared in various publications, including National Geographic magazine. They are also featured in a permanent art installation in Toronto’s PATH system. My graphical and conceptual skills help build brands, launch products and raise understanding and awareness of important issues in our world – the world I love to experience and spend every moment I can exploring. And that’s just the day job.

Things I enjoy and do regularly:

  • Photography (My first love. My dad first let me use his Minolta when I was 8)
  • Traveling
  • Martial Arts (15+ years of Goju Karate, Kobudo and Ju Jitsu)
  • Knitting & Crochet (obsessively)
  • Jewellery and beadwork
  • Knitwear design
  • Ceramics
  • Glass Lampworking (A recent addition, I love it!)
  • Prisma Colours & Acrylic Ink (my media of choice for non-digital work)
  • Photoshop (15 years and still my weapon of choice)
  • Blogging!

Things I love and do somewhat less regularly:

  • Glass blowing
  • Painting

Things I’d love to take up some day:

  • Sewing
  • Wood carving
  • The fiddle

I’m fostering a love-affair with Judo. I love dancing, snorkelling and cycling, and I’m hoping to take up surfing sometime. I have a dusty guitar that I tune regularly and hope to pay more attention to some day.

I live in beautiful downtown Toronto with 2 furry little bastards (aka cats) and a Salvadoran. He’s crazy in a good way, creative as hell and my partner in crime ;)

47 responses to “About”

  1. tejehannah Avatar
    tejehannah

    Hello! I’m happy I ‘travelled’ to your blog! You create wonderful things in very talented way! I love your colours! I shall have enjoyable time going around all your posts and photos!
    Thank you for sharing your lovely creations!
    Best wishes Teje

    Reply
  2. Hellopalz Avatar
    Hellopalz

    Your work is classy , the blog is cute and versatile. Its amazing how you are involved is various different art n craft.

    Reply
  3. The Simple Life of a Country Man's Wife Avatar
    The Simple Life of a Country Man’s Wife

    Great blog! You are quite talented for sure in all you do. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
    1. shireenn Avatar
      shireenn

      Thank you! I love your blog title :)

      Reply
  4. Дигитален Звук Avatar
    Дигитален Звук

    I just found your blog. And I love it!

    Reply
  5. Anna Avatar
    Anna

    Great blog. I signed up for updates. I am learning how to knit and crochet. I love your photography also. take care

    Reply
  6. Shari Lopatin Avatar
    Shari Lopatin

    Hi! I just found your blog through the Freshly Pressed post of birds. I’m a writer 1st, a photographer 2nd … so I like my work, but it’s not nearly as good as yours. :-) Published in National Geographic, huh? SO LUCKY! Sounds like you have an awesome job (I still miss my days as a print journalist). I just subscribed to your blog, was very taken with your images!

    Reply
    1. shireenn Avatar
      shireenn

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  7. Shannon Avatar
    Shannon

    You are a truly talented artist! Like you, I can’t stick to one thing either. How many projects do you have going at once?

    Reply
    1. shireenn Avatar
      shireenn

      Thanks Shannon :) I tend to have as many things going as I can handle. When I start to make lots of mistakes, or I get grumpy, then I know it’s time to tone it back ;)

      Reply
      1. Shannon Avatar
        Shannon

        That’s a good sign! I recently sold about half of my craft supplies, because it was just becoming too much. I was overwhelming myself and couldn’t focus.

    2. shireenn Avatar
      shireenn

      What kind of crafts do you enjoy?

      Reply
      1. Shannon Avatar
        Shannon

        I paint, do photography, artography… I started doing beading. Then I got into doll making (sewing). And I’ve tried paperclay sculpture. I write, I blog… No matter what I do, being creative is the only thing that keeps me alive.

  8. on thehomefrontandbeyond Avatar
    on thehomefrontandbeyond

    I am super impressed with your jewelry–I went through some of your archives–I disagree with your assessment that your mom is more creative than you–she is just differently creative – so glad I found your blog

    Reply
    1. shireenn Avatar
      shireenn

      Thank you! I definitely learned the joy of creativity from her though, from jewellery to flower arrangement she is one creative lady!

      Reply
  9. Sandra Avatar
    Sandra

    Good morning. Just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the Versatile Blog Award. You are one of the first blogs I started following and always enjoy your work. Your art and photography are truly inspiring. The award does come with instructions and if you find it too much no problem, jsut wanted to recognize you for your work. Here is the link http://wp.me/p2n3MW-3m

    Reply
    1. shireenn Avatar
      shireenn

      Thank you Sandra! I’m flattered, I’ll definitely find some time to do my bit!

      Reply
  10. daryl Stone Avatar
    daryl Stone

    I’m so impressed with your art and your approach to art. I am trying to be a more free artist and to find my way as an artist. I’m looking forward to reading/ seeing more of your creations.

    Reply
    1. shireenn Avatar
      shireenn

      Thank you for your kind words :) And best of luck in your artistic life!

      Reply
  11. Simi Avatar
    Simi

    You sound like a really amazing person – the kind I want to “grow up to be”. I am both impressed and inspired by all that you have achieved and wish to learn and achieve. Excited to get to know you through your blogging, twitter & pinterest :)

    Reply
    1. shireenn Avatar
      shireenn

      Awww…. shucks (blushes)

      Reply
  12. Greg Avatar
    Greg

    Hi – amazing work – are you ok with people using your photos for some website art? I’m looking to use one of the Toronto at night ones. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. shireenn Avatar
      shireenn

      Hi Greg!
      I appreciate you asking me, I would need more information on which photo, and exactly how it is to be used before giving permission. Please feel free to email me at hello@thebluebrick.ca if you’d like to discuss :)
      best,
      Shireen

      Reply
  13. S. Avatar
    S.

    I love that I found this blog! You are incredibly talented, but I don’t think I have to list the ways… (See all the wonderful comments above!) This is totally random, but you truly inspire me and I seem to find myself in the same area as you… Wanna get together for a coffee date if your uber exciting life doesn’t keep you too busy?
    Best,
    – S.

    Reply
    1. shireenn Avatar
      shireenn

      Hi S.
      That is random! Do you live in Toronto?
      -S.

      Reply
  14. Lorraine Barrett Avatar
    Lorraine Barrett

    I love your work, and am particularly interested in how I can buy one or more of your yarn bowls. I’ve tried a couple of methods to get in contact with you but haven’t had any success. Can you please let me know; I’m running out of time before the occasion where I wanted to present it as a gift.
    Many thanks if you can respond here, or to the email I sent you previously.
    L

    Reply
    1. shireenn Avatar
      shireenn

      Hi Lorraine
      I’m so sorry for missing your other emails – not sure how that happened! I’m afraid I do not sell yarn bowls online any more – it was costly and risky to ship them and not worth it to the customer :( I wish you the best in your yarn bowl hunt! If you are located in Toronto you can try the Purple Purl – they carry my work.
      Best,
      Shireen

      Reply
      1. Lorraine Barrett Avatar
        Lorraine Barrett

        Thank you so much for your reply! I called the Purple Purl moments ago, and sadly Jennifer says they are completely out. But yes, I live in the Don Mills area of the GTA, so only minutes away. If you should find one under or in something (Ha!), please remember me. I love, love, love them.

      2. shireenn Avatar
        shireenn

        Haha, will do! I’m hoping to have a batch ready in time for the frolic :)

  15. Lorraine Barrett Avatar
    Lorraine Barrett

    Oooooo, really good news! I plan on going to the Frolic; I went for the 1st time last year and loved it. I may have my sister with me, the one whom I’m trying to buy one for now as a gift, so she may be able to buy her own. Ha!
    Good luck and perhaps we’ll see you there!

    Reply
    1. shireenn Avatar
      shireenn

      Will do :) One thing though – last year the Purl didn’t take their bowls, they were worried about them breaking with the big crowds and such. If I make a bunch I can save you one, that way it doesn’t get sold, and if the purl doesn’t take them to the show you won’t miss out :) my email is hello@thebluebrick.ca – send me yours and I’ll be in touch when a new batch of bowls is ready!

      Reply
  16. Lorraine Barrett Avatar
    Lorraine Barrett

    Oh, many thanks, Shireenn – I’ll do that.

    Reply
  17. delilahsparks Avatar
    delilahsparks

    Hi there!
    Like many others, i am amazed by your skills that you posses! I am also into arts and crafts, so I am hoping to make a few things off of this blog!
    Keep blogging
    Delilah

    Reply
  18. Andrew Avatar
    Andrew

    Hi there
    I really love your photo of Toronto’s skyline https://thebluebrick.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/untitled_panorama1.jpg

    I love this city, I used to live there for a while, now I live in Europe…
    I would love to have this printed out and hanged on the wall in the dining room.
    Would you be willing to share the original with me? ( I want to make a panoramic poster 80x160cm)
    here is my e-mail a_golebiowski@yahoo.com. Let me know please.

    Reply
  19. BA Avatar
    BA

    You remind me of someone I met in Montreal almost a decade ago….

    Reply
    1. shireenxnadir3711 Avatar
      shireenxnadir3711

      Entirely likely :)

      Reply
  20. fibercrush Avatar
    fibercrush

    Such an interesting blog — love your photos and your stories. I have awarded you the “Hang a Star on that One Award” for “making” me spend money on cool things! Your e-book, in particular! …. Sue http://fibercrush.wordpress.com/2014/10/31/hang-a-star-on…-made-me-do-it/ ‎

    Reply
    1. shireenxnadir3711 Avatar
      shireenxnadir3711

      You’re awesome! The blog post made me chuckle too – I’m totally guilty! Will pick my ‘enablers’ and put up my own post tomorrow, and thank you so much for identifying me as a guilty party in inspiration =D

      Reply
  21. KatjaJohn Avatar
    KatjaJohn

    Hey Shireen, I’ve awarded you the “Sunshine Award”!
    http://carsonchronicles.wordpress.com/2013/12/22/sunshine-award/
    Congratulations!
    Warm regards,
    Katja

    Reply
  22. The Daily Polymer Arts Blog » Easy Knitted Polymer

    […] Canadian artist, Shireen Nadir, is passionate about arts and crafts and admits that she is just learning about polymer.  Because […]

    Reply
  23. keeppicturing Avatar
    keeppicturing

    Hey Shireen your blog is really wonderful. Would love to follow it regularly. Nice to meet you. Have a good day..:)

    Reply
  24. josiah_bain Avatar
    josiah_bain

    Hey! I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! Details here: https://jmbain.wordpress.com/2014/12/03/one-lovely-blog-award/

    Reply
  25. Jenna Bragenzer Avatar
    Jenna Bragenzer

    Hey Shireen, Can I please use your gorgeous photo of Toronto on my website? Thank you!

    Reply
  26. Joanne Legault Avatar
    Joanne Legault

    I bought whoop at The Twist to do a cowl you here suppose to send me the pattern. I still did not receive it Please reply.

    Reply
  27. Debra Cahill Avatar
    Debra Cahill

    Hi Shireen, I purchased 2 skeins of the new color Irish and I haven’t been home much as I am being a care giver to my brother for cancer treatment so I have been wondering if it has shipped yet or if not when it will be. I love your yarn and am always excited when I have some coming. Thanx for all you do for knitting and I look forward to your response. Debbie

    Reply
  28. Gayle Little Avatar
    Gayle Little

    Shireen – I started a pair of crocheted socks with your amazing Killarney sock wool last Saturday afternoon. The wool is fabulous and I love it. I have never had a pair of socks work up so easily. Hoping to finish them by the end of the weekend. I have two more cakes of your yarn, at least one of which will be going to the top of the list of the next colour to be made. Keep up your incredible work, but take care of yourself.

    Reply
  29. Jackie Fox Avatar
    Jackie Fox

    I saw your lovely yarn on Facebook. Do you supply the Barrie/Newmarket shops? I see you do martial arts! I have been training in Goju Ryu for 27 years now (I’m 68). Good for you. I also did Judo in my early teens. (I love working with colour and was just beginning a stained glass course when covid hit. I’d love to knit some socks with your lovely yarn.
    Thanks.

    Reply

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