Art has always been more than just a profession for Rania Naccour; it’s been a lifelong passion that began in her childhood. “I remember spending most of my time drawing and colouring as a child,” she recalls. “I liked to daydream a lot and create worlds in my imagination, and I was fascinated by the fact that you can create new worlds and images on a blank piece of paper.”
This early fascination with art led Rania to pursue a career in the creative field. Initially, she considered becoming an interior or fashion designer. However, when it came time to choose a path at university, her love for painting took precedence. She enrolled at the Beaux-Arts University in Beirut, where she honed her skills in fine arts. Later, she expanded her expertise with a Master’s degree in Art History and Museum Studies from the Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi.
Passion for Fashion and Art
Rania’s interest in fashion was nurtured at home. “My mom used to create clothes as a hobby for my brothers and me, and also matching dresses for me and her,” she shares. This exposure sparked her desire to become a fashion designer. However, she soon realized that her true passion lay in capturing the essence of fashion through painting rather than creating the garments themselves.
Today, Rania combines her love for fashion with her artistic skills by offering live drawing services at events and weddings. She specializes in recreating the looks and dresses of her clients, capturing every detail in her artwork. This unique service allows guests to take home personalized, hand-painted memories of special occasions.
Reinventing Herself: A Multifaceted Career
Rania’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention. Over the years, she has embraced various roles, each contributing to her growth as an artist and cultural professional.
- Television Presenter and Producer: Rania began her career as a full-time artist but soon ventured into television. She became a presenter for a children’s show at Baraem TV, where she engaged young audiences with creative content. Later, she took on the role of producer for children’s TV shows and theatre plays, overseeing the production process from conception to completion.
- Museum Educator at Louvre Abu Dhabi: In her quest to merge art with education, Rania joined the Louvre Abu Dhabi as an art educator. There, she delivered a variety of educational activities, such as tours and workshops, conveying the stories told in the museum to schools, families, and the public. Her role allowed her to share the universal messages of art with diverse audiences.
- Independent Artist: Despite her diverse roles, Rania never strayed far from her artistic roots. She continued to paint and exhibit her artwork, participating in exhibitions and conferences across Lebanon, the UAE, Kuwait, and Egypt. Her work has been featured on television networks like LBC Lebanon, Future TV Lebanon, and Dubai TV for DSF.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change
Rania’s path to becoming a full-time artist was not without its challenges. “I faced a lot of self-doubt and confusion,” she admits. “I couldn’t figure out all the steps that I needed to take to realize my dream of becoming a full-time artist.” There were moments when she felt like quitting, but a small voice inside her kept urging her to continue. “That voice kept me going. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything other than a career in art.”
Her journey underscores the importance of perseverance and self-belief. “It sounds cliché, but it is true and it works,” she says. “Decide what you want to do or be, and start doing the first steps towards it, even if you are not perfect at it and even if you haven’t figured all the steps yet. Just start, and you will figure it out while walking your path, and you will get better by walking the steps leading to your goals.”
Merging Beauty, Elegance, and Wildlife in Art
Currently, Rania is working on new paintings that combine themes of beauty, timeless elegance, and wild animals. This fusion reflects her love for painting, her fashion inspiration, and her admiration for wildlife. Each canvas tells a story, blending elements of nature and fashion to create unique, captivating artworks.
Her paintings are a continuation of the imaginary worlds she created as a child, shaped by her daydreams and love for art and beauty. Through her work, Rania invites viewers to explore these fantastical realms, offering a glimpse into her creative vision.
Final Thoughts
Rania Naccour’s journey is a powerful reminder that passion, perseverance, and the willingness to reinvent oneself can lead to a fulfilling and dynamic career. From a child who loved to draw and daydream to a multifaceted artist and educator, Rania has embraced each phase of her life with enthusiasm and dedication.
Her story encourages others to pursue their passions, overcome challenges, and remain open to change. As she continues to create and inspire, Rania proves that the path to success is not always linear, but with determination and a love for what you do, it can be incredibly rewarding.
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