Yeah, that handsome dude above is me.
I’m an architect and creative living in the countryside outside Kilkelly, County Mayo, Ireland. With a background in academic drawing, I also teach drawing and perspective.
Many call me an artist, but I don’t see myself that way—the term feels too rigid. A creative, on the other hand, moves beyond labels and boundaries, allowing me to explore in all directions.
My creative journey began before I could even walk, sparked and constantly fuelled by my amazing parents. I grew up immersed in the world of art and music, surrounded by books and incredible collection of black-and-white photographs, photography magazines, and art albums. That world shaped and laid the foundations of my creative self—of how I see and feel. It taught me to draw inspiration from nature, from intriguing people and their stories, from the abandoned and the vanished. And in the process of evolving as a creative, I gradually discovered my lifelong passions—drawing, photography, and writing.
Oh, and by the way—I’m Rustam.
Drawing
When I draw, I step into a different reality and dimension. Whether it’s the world of my sky drifters, a portrait, or a simple sketch, drawing makes me lose track of time. It gives me the power to bring my emotions, imagination, and reflections to life—expressing them in a tangible, shareable form. Drawing has also shaped me as a person—through years of dedicated practice, it has taught me patience, focus, discipline, and persistence.
Photography
For me, photography is about being intentional and living in the moment. It’s about the story and the print, and the journey that takes me to them. I love the experience that comes with photography—the softness of old lenses, the tactility of my old cameras, the waiting, even the missed moments, and the unique look of black-and-white film. I love how photography slows me down, making me notice, appreciate, and respond to the world around me.
Writing
Writing is where I become both creator and participant. My fiction is always mixed with threads of reality—shaped by moments I’ve lived, witnessed, or observed. I’ve always been a storyteller, even as a child—scribbling on scraps of paper. Writing has become my gateway to discovering and exploring the unseen and untold. From personal reflections to fiction and Scrolls, writing is my bridge to storytelling, inspired and shaped by moments of life.