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The Unconscious Artistry: An American Artist's Journey in Dubai


When she places her hand down to paint or draw, the hand does the work, she stands unaware. The movement is channeled from deep within as if in a trance. She paints her passion and pain for others, hardly glancing at the canvas. Her eyes barely see while her hand moves fluidly, always striving to enhance. An American artist living in Dubai since the 1980s, Rona Bishop has created over a hundred pieces of artwork, utilizing various materials and exploring subjects such as flowers, natural landscapes, surreal scenes, and abstracts. This is her story, her journey.

What’s your earliest memory of creating art?

My earliest memory of drawing was when I was around four or five. My mother and sister would sit and draw, and being quite impressed by their work, I would try to join in.


If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

It would probably be Monet and Van Gogh. Monet because of his love of nature and his fascination with light and color, this being Impressionism. And Van Gogh for the same reason.


What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever used as a medium/tool/platform in your artwork?

The weirdest medium I’ve used or thought was weird at the time, but then I learned it was already perfected, was painting with tea. I had some blue pea tea from Thailand and decided to see how it would fair as a watercolor medium because of its lovely color. When I researched, I found many beautiful works using tea, although I didn’t see anything done with blue pea tea then.



How do you come up with the titles for your pieces?

In regards to the titles, I choose for my works. If it’s a particular scene, I will title it according to the location, or I will title it according to a landmark in my life, or sometimes just simply by the season, the first day of spring, for example. If it’s an abstract or surrealistic drawing, I often title it with the first thing that comes to mind.


What’s the most unusual source of inspiration you’ve ever had?

The most unusual source of inspiration for my work is the unseen world. It’s hard to say, but I feel I’ve captured some of these things and have stored them away so they are not to be viewed.


If you could only use three colors/instruments/ software for the rest of your life, which would you choose?

As for the three colors, I would choose red, yellow, and blue, as they can be mixed to create just about all other colors.


What piece of art do you take the most pride in and why?

My camel drawing. I did it and didn’t really think much of it. I was pleasantly surprised when my husband suggested we take it to get it framed. I was flattered and taken aback, which helped inspire me and give me the confidence to continue my work.



Do you have any quirky rituals or habits when you’re in your creative zone?

My only quirky habit before I start working is that my whole area and living vicinity should be neat and clean. This is very important to me as I do not like clutter and find it distracting my creativity. But also, on second thought, any pressing things like bills or elements of this nature that come nagging at me should be cleared, most preferably before serious work ensues.


How do you deal with creative blocks?

I deal with my creative blocks by just taking a break. I never worry about these times as they are essential. They are more like an incubation period before I start new work or continue with what I was already working on. Also, it’s always essential for me to take a break and do something else like cooking, sewing, or even cleaning. It gives the mind a break and keeps any creative blocks from becoming jammed up.


Rona Iman Bishop is an artist originally from Vermont, USA, who grew up in New England. From an early age, she knew she wanted to pursue art and, after high school, attended Keene State College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in the field. In 1986, Rona moved to Dubai, driven by love, where she settled down and raised two boys. She devoted much of her life to being a homemaker and mother, finding solace and inspiration in her free time through drawing and reading. Following the passing of her husband in 2017, Rona returned to her artistic practice with renewed focus and dedication, constantly expanding her knowledge and skills. Her art reflects her deep connection with nature and her inner self, and she maintains a distinct style that is both personal and powerful. Today, Rona continues to evolve as an artist, driven by an ongoing desire to learn and grow.

What’s the most memorable reaction someone has had to your work?

The most memorable reaction I ever got regarding my work was one time many years ago when I was visiting my sister in the States. I had just entered her house and this quite large bearded man (who turned out to be a friend of the family) whom I had never met, said in a very boisterous voice the moment he saw me, “So this is the famous artist!” I was so surprised, especially since I’m not a famous artist! But that was so sweet and nice of him to say. This memory still brings a smile to my face.


If you could turn any book into a piece of art, which one would it be?

Probably the one book I would turn into a piece of work would be my own. I have already been working

on this; it’s a brief life story, which is also a compilation of my quotes and poems and little stories of things throughout my life. The plan of the book is also to showcase my work.


What’s one piece of advice you’d give to artificial intelligence aspiring to replace artists?

I would probably not give AI any advice because I’m old school. I would hate to be replaced by a robot!


What would you be doing if you weren’t an artist?

Before deciding I love drawing, I wanted to be a writer. In reality, though, drawing and writing are very similar. One is creating pictures with words, and the other is creating pictures with images. So, either internal or external.


What’s your favorite part about the process of creating art?

My favorite thing about creating art is that it is like my therapy. One of the opposites of expression is depression. One must be able to express themselves; otherwise, I feel one might be depressed. Also, I try to draw things into reality, like love, joy, and beauty.


If you could have your artwork displayed anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I really don’t have a particular place, but I’d love to have my work displayed in a place where people would really appreciate seeing it and that it would make them happy. This is all that matters really.


What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you as an artist?

Probably the one thing people would be most surprised to learn about me is that I don’t actually really know how to draw. It flows through me, and usually,I don’t even know how I accomplished a finished piece of work. Often, when it’s done and comes out well, it surprises me, too!



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