18-year-old Yousra Irshad of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is a multi-talented and versatile artist and for her, art is the language of heart, the voice of spirit, and a way to transform struggles into strength.

“And in every line I draw, every colour I mix, and every canvas I fill, I carry forward a simple but powerful message: that passion, perseverance, and belief in oneself can transform dreams into reality,” she said.
“Even before I reached UKG, colours seemed to speak to me in a way nothing else did. The vibrant reds, soothing blues, and bright yellows filled me with curiosity and wonder. Art was not just an activity—it was a way to explore the world around me,” Yousra told Brighter Kashmir.
“But my real journey began the day my mother showed me how to draw a simple caterpillar. That small, seemingly ordinary drawing became a turning point in my life. It did more than teach me a skill—it ignited a lifelong passion and gave me my first taste of achievement when it won me first place in a school competition,” she said.
That moment, she said, planted a seed of confidence and determination in her, and “I knew I wanted to turn this passion into a profession.”
From that early spark, her journey as an artist was filled with both joy and challenges. Over the years, she has participated in numerous exhibitions and competitions. Each opportunity brought with it a chance to grow, to learn, and to refine the skills.
“There were moments when criticism weighed heavily on me, and times when self-doubt made me question my abilities. But I have always believed that true growth comes from pushing through obstacles rather than avoiding them. Each setback became a lesson, and each challenge became fuel to strengthen my resolve,” Yousra said.
Crediting unwavering support of family for her success, she said, “My parents never discouraged me, not even once. They believed in my talent and dreams, and their encouragement has been the foundation upon which I built my artistic journey. Friends and mentors, especially my teacher Ms. Hafsa, have also played an invaluable role. Their guidance, advice, and reassurance during difficult times gave me the courage to continue pursuing my passion even when the path seemed uncertain.”
“My personal philosophy reflects the lessons I have learnt along the way. I change pain into power and criticism into creativity,” Yousra said.
For her, art is far more than a hobby or profession.
“It is the language of my heart, the voice of my spirit, and a way to transform struggles into strength. Every brushstroke I make carries a piece of my journey, every colour tells a story of resilience, and every creation is a testament to the power of perseverance. When I paint or draw, I pour my emotions onto the canvas, turning moments of joy, sorrow, hope, and determination into tangible expressions of beauty,” she said.
According to Yousra, beyond personal satisfaction, she sees art as a way to connect with others. “Each piece I create is a dialogue—a silent conversation that allows people to feel, reflect, and even find inspiration in my work. I hope that by sharing my creations, I can encourage others to see the possibilities that arise when passion meets perseverance. Art is not only about creating something beautiful; it is about showing the world that life’s challenges can be transformed into something meaningful.”
“As I continue to grow as an artist, I remain committed to exploring new techniques, experimenting with ideas, and constantly learning. My ultimate goal is not just to create, but to inspire—to show that no matter where you start, what obstacles you face, or how small your first step may be, dedication and belief in oneself can lead to extraordinary achievements,” she said.
“Art is more than expression—it is resilience, courage, and the joy of turning imagination into reality,” added Yousra.