This week’s feature art submission comes from a multitalented sister who can handle a pencil, a pen, or a paintbrush as masterfully as she does an acoustic guitar or a full time busy schedule at University. Her name is Telisa Roessaptono and she’s currently studying Sociology at U of T.

Here is what Telisa had to say in her own words about what gets her creating art: “From being a Sociology student, it comes naturally that I tend to observe about everything. Hence, I get inspired to create my art pieces through observation. Instead of writing 20 pages of analysis for my Sociology assignment, I'd rather paint it with colors, shapes and lines. But, that's academic suicide. So, I can only create art work during my spare time (when my creative juices are flowing).”

“Art is very versatile. There’s no rule on how it's done. Anything can be my canvas and any medium can be the medium. What matters is its authenticity. A lot of times I use whatever object I have to create something (even a used Burger bag he, he). Concept is also important. When I do my art, I think thoroughly about what I want to create and this process takes longer than creating the piece. My stringless guitar painting, for example, took me 2 days to paint, but I did so many sketches for ideas. It took me more than a week to come up with a final decision before I started it. I wanted something that portrays "self-silencing". So I came up with the stringless guitar (since it wouldn't make any sound) but is held by the owner (which is myself).”

“In the near future I hope (InshAllah), if time permits, I will make a living doing art or at least make it a side job. I've been told many times, 'when you're given talent by Allah, don't waste it...make it useful'. So, why not, right?”