Soad A. Kader

Artist Statement

I almost always want to sit by the window. I love looking out - seeing and feeling different types of space, especially the change of perspective looking down, like when I am on a rooftop or in an airplane. The surprise, mystery, or wonder at what I am observing is a thrill. It isn’t always important to know what it is I am looking at. Sometimes it is better not knowing but just enjoying the ambiguity and more carefully noticing colors, textures, lines, shapes, qualities of light or movement. I am endlessly interested in exploring varieties of visual delight; that pleasure we can take in the everyday experience of looking… and seeing anew.

I grew up with my Egyptian Muslim father and with my Basque-Italian-American Catholic mother, first in Egypt, and then in California. The mix they created in coming together continues to inform my identity and influence my perspectives and explorations. I wanted to change my name to Susan when I was eight years old so I could blend in more easily on California soil. My parents said no; I am grateful.