Asma Chaudhary is a Pakistani-American artist with a passion for education and giving back to the community. After graduating from George Mason with a BFA, she returned for her Masters and graduated in 2013, making herself a “double alumna” as she calls it.
Currently, Asma teaches graphic design in the Art Department at Mason. When she is not working in the classroom, she is working on her art, which continues to grow with her in reflection.
What is the biggest or most important thing you wish to convey through your art?
“Resourcefulness, with a witty sense of humor. I like to turn things on their heads.”
In one of her latest collections, Asma worked with stitching and sewing sleeping bags. In the series, she features three works: A rocket ship, a stick of dynamite, and a grenade.
The thought process for the projects started with Asma thinking of the materials lines and sections, which reminded her of kids, sleeping and playing with the sleeping bags, which added a twist to the objects she was creating.
What do you hope to do with your art?
“Artists are the most courageous (as they aren’t in STEM or other disciplines) Especially women artists, and being from a Pakistani environment, it’s still very disciplined.”
“Everything I took away from the sleeping bags was added back in somehow”, said Asma, stressing the importance of being resourceful, which is something she wishes to teach her students.
What is one thing you hope all your students will take with them from your classes?
“Resourcefulness. I also want them to just explore…there’s something about college. [I want them to] start those conversations, realize that everything you need is here, networking is so important.”
In her classes, Asma likes to have a “free” feel to them. She leaves her students to explore working with the various softwares and experiment with techniques and designs.
“If I ordained or structured the projects, there would be no creativity”
In addition to her personal projects, Asma is involved in “Makers Faires”, which take place at Barnes & Noble stores. There, she is able to incorporate some of her work in the community, letting children who visit the faire contribute to some of her work by wrapping yarn around the pieces.
Asma is a big believer in giving back to the community as well, which is partially why she chose to teach. All of the proceeds from her projects go to charity as well.
“I want to give back to the community that raised me”
She is a finalist for the 2016 Heroines of Washington, which is sponsored by the March of Dimes, a nonprofit that works to improve the health of mothers and their children. Asma Chaudhary is an active member of the community in that aspect, she currently serves as Chairperson for Infant Toddler Family Day Care, which is an organization that works to provide childcare and education for families in the Metropolitan area.
Asma Chaudhary is an artist, professor, and community member who works for resourcefulness, education, and giving back.