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 ;)
The Blue Brick | Inspired Yarns 
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
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Your work is classy , the blog is cute and versatile. Its amazing how you are involved is various different art n craft.
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Great blog! You are quite talented for sure in all you do. Keep up the good work!
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Thank you! I love your blog title :)
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I just found your blog. And I love it!
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Great blog. I signed up for updates. I am learning how to knit and crochet. I love your photography also. take care
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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!
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Thank you!!
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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?
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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 ;)
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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.
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What kind of crafts do you enjoy?
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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.
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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
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Thank you! I definitely learned the joy of creativity from her though, from jewellery to flower arrangement she is one creative lady!
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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
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Thank you Sandra! I’m flattered, I’ll definitely find some time to do my bit!
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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.
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Thank you for your kind words :) And best of luck in your artistic life!
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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 :)
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Awww…. shucks (blushes)
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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!
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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
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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.
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Hi S.
That is random! Do you live in Toronto?
-S.
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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
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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
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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.
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Haha, will do! I’m hoping to have a batch ready in time for the frolic :)
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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!
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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!
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Oh, many thanks, Shireenn – I’ll do that.
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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
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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.
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You remind me of someone I met in Montreal almost a decade ago….
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Entirely likely :)
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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/
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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
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Hey Shireen, I’ve awarded you the “Sunshine Award”!
http://carsonchronicles.wordpress.com/2013/12/22/sunshine-award/
Congratulations!
Warm regards,
Katja
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[…] Canadian artist, Shireen Nadir, is passionate about arts and crafts and admits that she is just learning about polymer. Because […]
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Hey Shireen your blog is really wonderful. Would love to follow it regularly. Nice to meet you. Have a good day..:)
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Hey! I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award! Details here: https://jmbain.wordpress.com/2014/12/03/one-lovely-blog-award/
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Hey Shireen, Can I please use your gorgeous photo of Toronto on my website? Thank you!
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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.
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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
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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.
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