the simplest, most efficient tool is often not given its due credit. Enter Maliha Rohail - a third year student of Architecture at the Department of Visual Studies (Karachi University). A simple graphite pencil is her weapon of choice as she lets her feelings and stress flow through the nib.
'Pencils are great for me as i feel no restriction or inhibitions with it', says Maliha. Her inspirations are varied but mostly she looks to nature and her surroundings for her sketches. Darkness seems to be a recurring theme in her work.
Simply titled 'Turnips', this sketch was an assignment done in charcoal. This might not be a regular masterpiece but the bold contrast and graininess makes it a striking image.
"The 'guy in the cap' reflects a darker person in me. Hidden, yet smiling", explains Maliha.
This was drawn while she waited on the side of the super high way while her tyre was punctured. Lesson: Never leave home without your pencil and sketch book.
I really like Maliha's work for the simple reason that shes basic. No fuss, no complicated theories, just her hand conveying what she sees and feels. You simply cant deny the magic that comes from bold sure lines scrawled across a page with purpose and determination.
There is something very inviting about a dark well sharpened pencil that makes you want to draw. Now where did i put my trusty 6B?
