A Forget-Me-Not Interview with Anum Farooq

FMNP: Who are you? Please introduce yourself. Name or pseudonym, and whatever other information you feel comfortable sharing.

AF: I’m Anum Farooq, an alumna of Imperial College London and Enfield County School, with a Scientific background and an Associate of the Royal College of Science. I am an internationally published auto-didactic artist, poet, global educator and mentor. My favourite book is ‘The Butterfly Lion’ by Michael Morpurgo, it’s a children’s book with poignant themes about acts of courage with great love and compassion.

I adore art, and as an observer am very much moved by it. The Haywain by John Constable is quite special, as I was fortunate enough to visit 18th Century Flatford Mill near the scene of the painting, during a Geography trip to Suffolk. 

FMNP: What made you want to be an artist/writer?

AF: Art found me sitting quietly in my solitude and observance, and took my hand to a world that just felt like home. Since, I was a child I painted and wrote poetry, it came very naturally, it almost overflows and still does. With art, I feel so comfortable, my soul feels light, it is almost being in another realm and sometimes I have to bring myself back. 

FMNP: What is your favourite piece you’ve created to date?

AF: Currently, the Art of Cardiology series has moved me deeply. The painting Eco-Cardiology has been selected for the Artistic Excellence Award 2023 from the Circle Foundation for the Arts (Greece). With the ‘Vessels of Life’ and ‘Nature Overcomes’ selected for exhibition in IL MONDO CHE VOGLIO-The World That I Want exhibition in Venice.

FMNP: What is one piece of advice you have to other creatives out there?

AF: My advice to fellow creatives would be to stay authentic and original, to follow their passion with courage and integrity. Their time will come, when we are deeply focussed on creating meaningful artwork, absolutely absorbed in creativity, it only leads to one thing: destiny! 

FMNP: How did you discover Forget-Me-Not Press?

AF: I think I read about Forget-Me-Not-Press, and began to read through the editions and was astounded by the depth of exploration

FMNP: What do you like about Forget-Me-Not Press?

AF: I like the inclusivity, the sheer depth of meaning in the editions, as well as the absolute hard work of the Press team and the artists and writers cohort, who seem to give it their all. The result is this beautiful amalgamation of exploratory artwork and writings that one can easily lose many hours observing and reading. 

FMNP: Why do you keep submitting to Forget-Me-Not Press?

AF: I’ve submitted my work for consideration to Forget-Me-Not-Press team for it to be reviewed by editors who have a nuance for arts and culture, and whether published or not, it is something of a privilege to send in one’s work for consideration. 

FMNP: What is your favourite piece from the Issues you have been a part of?

AF: Zephyr Nostalgia in Issue 3 is my favourite in the issues, as it simply evokes the nostalgia of hearing laughter in the wind. It evokes a distant memory of running with and against the wind, as a child, hands outstretched, and bursting into peals of laughter at the simple joy of it.

FMNP: Let us know where to find you! Please share any of your social media, websites, etc.

AF: You can find my work represented by Loupe on Apple TV Plus, Samsung TV Plus, VIZIO, ViX, Google Play, Xumo and LG TV amongst other platforms. My website is www.anumfarooq.com and Instagram is: @anumfarooq_

Anum Farooq has work in two Issues at Forget-Me-Not Press

Issue #3 Nothing Gold Can Stay: Zephyr Nostalgia

Issue #4 In the Dark: Bravery

Nature Overcomes

Eco-Cardiology

Vessels of Life